Built in the 5th century by order of Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II, the Theodosius Cistern (also known as Şerefiye Cistern) is an ancient underground water storage. It once provided water to the city and now is a fascinating place to visit. Many tourists come here to see its beautiful design and learn about its history. Find out about Theodosius Cistern tickets, visiting hours, and useful tips to make your visit great.
Built in the 5th century by Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II, the Theodosius Cistern (also called Şerefiye Cistern) was made to supply water to Istanbul’s old city center. This amazing underground structure was part of a big system to make sure the city always had enough water.
Today, the Theodosius Cistern is a large and impressive place to visit. It has many columns that create a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere. Known for its historical importance and stunning design, the Theodosius Cistern is a must-see for visitors.
Perfect for visitors who are low on time and what to get to the attraction as soon as possible. These tickets mostly contain an audio guide as well.
Cancellation Policy: You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the tour starts for a full refund.
Great for those who like getting more with their tickets and have time to explore Istanbul fully. With the Museum Pass Istanbul you get further access to 12 attractions.
Cancellation Policy: You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before your planned visit and get a full refund.
The Theodosius Cistern has many tall marble columns that support its roof. These columns are decorated with interesting designs from ancient times, showing the skill of the builders.
Look closely at the columns to see the unique patterns and carvings. These designs give a special charm to the cistern and show the careful work that went into making it.
The Theodosius Cistern is an important historical site. It was built to provide water to the city and is a great example of the engineering skills of the Byzantine Empire.
The Theodosius Cistern (Şerefiye Cistern) is located in the historic area of Istanbul, near the Grand Bazaar and the beautiful Süleymaniye Mosque. You can easily walk here from many famous places in the city.
Ticket Prices:
Address: Piyer Loti Cd. No: 2/1, 34130 Fatih/Istanbul
• On Foot: A 20-minute walk from the Grand Bazaar.
• By Marmaray: Get off at Sirkeci Station, then walk for 15 minutes.
• By Tram: Get off at the Çemberlitaş or Vezneciler stations.
• By Bus: Buses stop within a 15-minute walk.
• By Taxi: It’s best to avoid taxis because the area is very busy.
• Nearest Parking: ISPARK Vezneciler, Molla Fenari Mh.
Explore the history of the Ottoman sultans at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, now a large museum.
A famous landmark of Istanbul, known for its beautiful architecture and history as a cathedral and mosque.
A short walk from Hagia Sophia, this underground cistern is famous for its impressive columns and Medusa heads.
Grand Bazaar
Visit one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets for unique gifts and souvenirs.
A short walk from the Grand Bazaar, known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful courtyards.
Bosphorus Cruise
See Istanbul from the water, enjoying views of its skyline and famous bridges.
Opening Times: Daily operations from 09:00 to 19:00.
Suggested Duration: 1 hour
Optimal Visit Times: Early morning .
The Theodosius Cistern is open daily from 9:00 to 19:00. A visit typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour.
During your visit, which usually takes between one to one and a half hours, you can enjoy sights like the beautiful marble columns, unique carvings, and the peaceful, quiet atmosphere, all showing the amazing design of the cistern.
Weekdays over Weekends and Holidays
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds.
Off-season Months
Visit from October to April for a quieter experience.
Tips while visiting
Footwear: Wear comfortable, slip-resistant shoes.
Clothing: Bring a light sweater because it can be cool and damp underground.
Stairs: Be careful when going down the steps to the cistern.
Arrival: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Tours: Book a guided or audio tour to learn more.
Accessibility: There are elevators and ramps. Bring your own wheelchair or stroller if needed.
Photography: You can use mobile phones and cameras, but no tripods.
Shopping: There are many gift shops nearby with souvenirs and trinkets.
Buy your Theodosius Cistern tickets online to save time, secure your spot, and get special online discounts. This way, you won’t miss out if tickets sell out.
Skip-the-line tickets for the Theodosius Cistern cost about €20, while guided tour tickets are around €22. Both let you avoid long lines and have more time to enjoy the site.
You can choose from three types of tours at the Theodosius Cistern: skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and combo tickets. Guided tours give you a detailed look at the cistern, while combo tickets include nearby attractions like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
Yes, all Theodosius Cistern tickets include skip-the-line access to help you avoid the crowds. Some tickets also come with audio guides in different languages.
Yes, guided tours are available. You can choose tours in different languages like English and Spanish, and they include priority access.
The Theodosius Cistern, also called Şerefiye Cistern, is an old underground water storage built in the 5th century by Emperor Theodosius II. It was made to supply water to the city and is now a unique tourist attraction.
Must-see highlights in the Theodosius Cistern include its beautiful marble columns, unique carvings, and the peaceful, quiet atmosphere. These features make your visit special and memorable.
The Theodosius Cistern is located at Piyer Loti Cd. No: 2/1, 34130 Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey.
The Theodosius Cistern is open daily from 9:00 to 19:00, giving you plenty of time to visit.
The site has ramps and elevators to help people with limited mobility. It is also stroller-friendly for visitors with young children.
Yes, there is wheelchair access, but be careful as it can be damp and slippery inside.
Yes, you can take photos inside, but please don’t use tripods or other large equipment that might bother other visitors.
Yes, it’s a good idea to book your Theodosius Cistern tickets in advance to make sure you get in, especially on busy days.
