Serefiye Cistern Entrance Ticket
The Cistern of Theodosius, built between 428 and 443 AD to supply the Great Palace, and reopened in 2018 after a long restoration.
- At the gate
- £17
- Allow
- 1h 30m
- District
- Sultanahmet
- Closed
- Open daily
u015eerefiye Cistern, in short
The Cistern of Theodosius, built between 428 and 443 AD to supply the Great Palace, and reopened in 2018 after a long restoration.
It is smaller and far quieter than the Basilica Cistern, with 32 marble columns and a light and sound installation projected across the vaults. If the queue at the Basilica Cistern puts you off, come here instead.
Opening hours
Open daily, 09:00 to 19:00, with last entry at 18:00.
What it costs
Walk-up entry is u20ac20; pass holders get it from u20ac15. Check your account for the current rate.
Getting there
Between Sultanahmet and u00c7emberlitau015f, a couple of minutes from the Hippodrome. Take the T1 tram to u00c7emberlitau015f or Sultanahmet.
How long to allow
Half an hour. The light installation runs on a cycle, so you may want to wait for it to come round.
The name
It was known for centuries as the Theodosius Cistern, after the emperor who built it. u015eerefiye is the later Ottoman name, taken from the district above, and it is the one in local use today.
Frequently asked questions
- Emperor Theodosius II built it in the fifth century to supply water to the Great Palace and the surrounding buildings.
- It is the later Ottoman name for the site, taken from the district above. It was originally known as the Theodosius Cistern.
- Smaller, newer to reopen, and far quieter, with a light and sound installation. The Basilica Cistern is more dramatic; this one is more peaceful.
- Daily, 09:00 to 19:00, with last entry at 18:00.