Basilica Cistern skip-the-line entry and audio guided tour

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Visit the Basilica Cistern, an architectural wonder built in the 4th century and expanded in 532 AD. Choose the option that suits your visit:Venture into the cathedral-sized Basilica Cistern, established under Emperor Justinian I's reign in 532 A.D. to provide water to the Great Palace. The cistern boasts a capacity of up to 80,000 cubic metres of water, transported through an extenentrance. ork of aqueducts from a reservoir near the Black Sea. Descend fifty-two stone steps leading to the entrance of this historical structure. Learn about how the water supply originates from the Eğrikapı Water Distribution Centre in the Belgrade Forest and, then journeys through the 971-metre-long Valens Aqueduct and the 115-metre-long Mağlova Aqueduct, both remarkable feats of engineering by Emperor Justinian.Option 1: Audio-guided tour with skip-the-line entranceOption 2: Guided tour with skip-the-line entranceOption 3: Small-group tour for up to 8 people with skip-the-line entranceOption 4: Private tour for up to 8 people with skip-the-line entrance.
Highlights
- You'll discover the 4th-century Basilica Cistern, a Byzantine water storage facility
- You'll hear the intriguing tales behind the Medusa heads from Greek mythology
- You'll learn how the water supply originates from the Eğrikapı Water Distribution Centre
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Activity package
Choose a date to get started
Select your preferred date to see available packages and pricing
Facilities
Free cancellation
mobile
an hour
Available in English, Italian, French, Spanish, Arabic, German, Portuguese, Russian, Dutch, Japanese, Polish, Chinese, Korean
What's included
- Guided tour
- Audio guide
- Skip-the-line ticket
Where you'll meet
Please meet your guide at Roots and Roasted Cafe at least 15 minutes before your tour time. Look for a white flag with the Istanbul Tourist Pass® and istanbul.com logos.
Operated by
City Berry Tourism
Important information
Know in advance:
* Option 1 includes an audio guide available in 25 languages, provided by Istanbul Tourist Pass. Guided tour options are conducted in English
* It is not possible to skip the security lines at the entrance, which are mandatory for all visitors
* After booking, you'll receive your entry ticket with QR code via separate e-mail from the supplier
* You'll need internet connection on your smartphone to retrieve your QR ticket
* The QR ticket will only be visible when in proximity to the venue