Your visit to the Cictern will emphasize the importance of water reservoir for the defence of the city at time of a war, it was built to provide water to Istanbul's residents for six months.

I almost skipped teh cistern but someone had told me it was really beautiful. I was glad I didn't as the lit up cistern was very beautiful and it was cool to see the medusa heads. It costs 10 turkish lira for admission. I went right when it opened to avoid a lot of crowds, which was nice.

The Cisterns are located 40m from Sultanahmet Square so are very easily reached during a day of sightseeing in the old city. The attraction is located underground and consists of Romanesque columns struck with colourful uplighting, reflected in the water below. You tour the space via wooden walkways. Look out for the wishing column and the Medusa heads! It's pretty... More

Great piece of ancient engineering and couldnt help being impressed about how this facility was designed to ensure water supply when the city was in siege/distress. Conveniently located across the road from the Hippodrome, easy to find. The tickets cost 10 TL per person. The curation is beautiful with eery music and lighting. Although there isnt much to see after... More

Admission not included in the Museum Pass, but worth a visit if it is relatively quiet inside. If you notice a long line I would try to save it for another day. But either way it will offer a nice reprieve from the summer heat.

I visited basilica cistern that is one of the highlights of istanbul will fascinate you. The purpose of this cistern was actually a reservoir supplying water to the palaces and used to bring water from Belgrad forest and this actually the largest preserved cistern, built by Emperor Justinian in 532, especially during summer wonderfully cool. The cistern is 65m wide... More

I wasn't real sure about going down in the Cisterns at first but it is very fascinating to see the water system. Don't miss the Medusa heads!

We walked by it a number of times not realizing what this was- it's incredible and well worth the visit. Haven't seen anything like it anywhere else in the world!

amazing what people could make so long ago, Magic, we also did see the old aquaduct of course One most not miss this.