Şerefiye Cistern is one of the many cisterns located in the Historical Peninsula in Fatih, Istanbul. This cistern, which belongs to the Byzantine period, was once very important for Istanbul, which was insufficient in terms of water resources. Şerefiye Cistern, which has great historical and architectural importance, is one of the places you should definitely visit in Istanbul.
Şerefiye Cistern or Theodosius Cistern is located in Fatih, Istanbul. It is known as only one of the many Byzantine cisterns on the Historical Peninsula.
Şerefiye Cistern, built during the Byzantine period, met the water needs of Istanbul, which was unfavorable in terms of water resources. The water supply from outside the city depended on the cisterns.
Considering the construction technique of the cistern, its construction is dated to the 2nd quarter of the 5th century. It is also known that it was built during the reign of Theodosius II and therefore named Theodosius Cistern.
The cistern was named Şerefiye because of its location during the Ottoman period. This cistern has been serving as a museum since 2018.
Şerefiye Cistern draws attention as an example of a multi-row supported closed cistern. This rectangular structure, approximately 24x40 meters in size, has a total of 32 columns.
The building is accessed by a staircase from the south facade. In order to prevent the deterioration of the water inside, there are 16 window openings placed at equal intervals at the arch level on the upper part of the body walls for ventilation purposes and to ensure the discharge of excess water.
The architecture of the Şerefiye Cistern, whose plan scheme is preserved, can also be estimated in which periods it was built.
Şerefiye Cistern, known as one of the oldest cisterns in history, is located in Fatih, Istanbul.
Transportation here is quite easy. You can come to Eminönü by Marmaray and walk from here and explore the Historical Peninsula.
When you get on the subway, you can get off at Aksaray stop and take the Eminönü Tram line to Sultanahmet stop and reach the cistern with a 5-minute walk from here.*
Adress: Binbirdirek, Piyer Loti Cd. No:2/1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
You can visit Şerefiye Cistern at certain hours for certain fees. Visiting hours information for the cistern is as follows:
In Şerefiye Cistern, a different understanding of museology is applied. An extraordinary understanding of museology is offered to visitors here. In the mystical atmosphere of the cistern, two magnificent visual feasts are experienced every day. These visual feasts are as follows:
Water Civilization Istanbul screening
Şerefiye Cistern from Past to Present
To watch these screenings, you need to pay the following fees:
Two screening fees
Local Visitor 75 TL
Foreign Visitors 270 TL
Student-teacher: 30 TL
Entrance is made at the beginning of the hour for two screenings. First, Şerefiye Cistern from the Past to the Present is shown, followed by the Water Civilization Istanbul Istanbul.
Single screening fee
Local Visitor 50 TL
Foreign Visitors 180 TL
Student-teacher: 20 TL
Entrance is at half past one for a single screening and only the Water Civilization Istanbul screening can be seen.
NOTE: Since the entrance fees to the Şerefiye Cistern may change periodically, we strongly recommend that you contact the contact information.
Telephone: 0212 568 60 80
The Şerefiye Cistern, which reveals a hidden heritage, is known as the oldest building in the world where 360° Projection Mapping is integrated. While interacting with a 1600-year-old historical place, you can explore the perception of space in three dimensions.
Şerefiye Cistern, where you can trace the traces of Istanbul's water culture, allows you to witness spatial features with three-dimensional effects. You can witness 1600 years of memory while following the waterways of Istanbul in your show.
Şerefiye Cistern is located in the Historical Peninsula, neighboring many places to visit. Other places you should definitely visit while you are here are:
Topkapi Palace
Sultanahmet
Hagia Sophia
Basilica Cistern
Gulhane Park
Istanbul Archaeology Museum
Grand Bazaar
Galata Bridge
Suleymaniye Mosque
Grand Valide Han
Bozdogan Arch