The Basilica Cistern aka time machine to the 6th century. Since the building was structured, it has seen 2 Empires (Romans and Ottomans) and is living its best life now. It’s the star of the two iconic movies in the end. The breathtaking museum, dazzling with statistics too. 1 million and almost a half thousand people visited the cistern in 2022. Here’s the truth that no one wants you to know.
Is it possible to skip the line of the Basilica Cistern? – It’s the easiest museum to visit in Istanbul. Especially If you know how to deal with it. All you have to do is find your guide and get inside without waiting.
Let’s go into a little more detail about what is expected of you and what are my solutions to the lines of the Basilica Cistern as @atourguideinconstantinople
Visit Basilica Cistern Without Waiting
The Cistern is too popular. Everyday hundreds of visitors wait in lines to visit this attraction. No one can blame them, because this building is worth it.
But there’s an easy way to handle the crowds. The answer is in the hands of the tour guides. Because they have the only authority to get you inside without hussle.
When you get to the main entrance of the Basilica Cistern, the first thing you are going to notice, the ticket line looking like the Great China Wall.
Having a tour guide feels quite safe and handy at the moment. Because all you have to do is enjoy your comfort and pay attention to your guide’s explanations while everyone waits outside under the sun in 30’ C. Most of the main causes of these types of situations, no matter how easy to reach the information we need to look up for, it’s hard to find the real answers. So stay in touch, in any case you can get in touch with me.
What Not To Miss At Basilica Cistern
If you’re planning a visit to Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern, you’ll likely be amazed by the sheer size and beauty of this ancient underground reservoir. However, long lines and crowds can make the experience less enjoyable if you’re not well prepared.
Fortunately, with a few tips and tricks, you can avoid the crowds and make the most of your visit to this historic site. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best ways to avoid long lines, get the most out of your visit, and discover the hidden gems of the Basilica Cistern. So, let’s dive in and explore this fascinating site together.
1. Medusa Head
I will personally shed light on the point. Then you can decide if it is a mythological story for lifting material. No one is not sure why they’re inside, however it was a common method to structure buildings from recycled materials.
2. Crying Column. Some people say it symbolizes the tears of the slaves who died in the construction of the building. The building is from 532 AD, so I don’t think there’s any eyewitness left. The truth will be revealed also in my tours.
3. Tossing Coin Ritual. Another lost cause. Trevi Fountain Vol 2. This cistern is making your wishes If you toss a coin. I will also share my experience about the subject as someone who was born and raised in Istanbul.
Conclusion: Basilica Cistern Tours
It’s been years of working actively on the field. Therefore, I have lots of content to share. If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, make sure you add the Basilica Cistern to your itinerary. This incredible structure, dating back to the Byzantine era, is a sight to behold with its rows of columns, watery ambiance and fascinating history.
To make the most of your visit and save time, it’s recommended to take a guided tour. By doing so, you’ll gain a deeper insight into the architecture and historical significance of the cistern. Your guide can point out interesting details, such as the Medusa heads and ornate carvings. By taking a guided tour, you won’t have to spend time researching the history and the significance of the site on your own.
As a travel enthusiast and a professional tour guide, I have always cared for the needs of my guests. Therefore it’s my duty to defend your interests. Being actively on the field for many years brought me above a certain level of knowledge. I have already faced and dealt with the issues you can possibly come across with. I also did absorb the history of the building to create and prove my difference. The travellers who trusted me, received my full support and hospitality. In addition to setting their goals in the city where I was born, I did also shed light to show the ways of managing their time in the most efficient ways. Use my experience in order to feel confident as if it’s your own city!
All you have to do is texting these words;
“I need a tour guide”
Oğulcan ÖZDİL, Founder & Professional Tour Guide