The Basilica Cistern ,also known as the "Sunken Palace", was constructed by Justinian in 532 to supply the Byzantine Palace primarily. It fell out of use with the Turkish conquest and is the largest of all Istanbul's ancient cisterns. The cistern was restored in 1980's and today walkways have been constructed right through the cistern and subdued illumination lends the place a suitably mysterious athmosphere.

Basilica Cistern

Yerebatan Caddesi, Sultanahmet

Telephone: 90-212-5221259

Open daily except Mondays , 09:00-18:00

( October to March : 09:00-17:00 )