--- title: Basilica Cistern Corporate Group Tour | Kurumsal Geziler url: https://kurumsalgeziler.com/en/tour-booking/basilica-cistern-subterranean-heritage-tour description: A guided Basilica Cistern visit for corporate teams of 10-80: 336 columns, the Medusa heads and Byzantine water engineering in Sultanahmet, Istanbul. --- ![Basilica Cistern Corporate Trip](https://cdn.kurumsalgeziler.com/storage/tours/detail/844818b7-a3d7-4da1-bf66-96e96ee1d11d.webp) [Get Quote](javascript:void(0);) Basilica Cistern Corporate Trip ** İstanbul, Türkiye ** **Starting Point:** Coach from Istanbul or the surrounding provinces Share ** - [WhatsApp]() - [Telegram]() - [Facebook]() - [X]() - [LinkedIn]() - [E-Posta](mailto:?subject=Basilica+Cistern+Corporate+Trip+-+Kurumsal+Geziler&body=Basilica+Cistern+Corporate+Trip+-+Kurumsal+Geziler+https%3A%2F%2Fkurumsalgeziler.com%2Fen%2Ftour-booking%2Fbasilica-cistern-subterranean-heritage-tour.md) ## Overview The Basilica Cistern corporate trip is a short [culture](https://kurumsalgeziler.com/en/tour-categories/culture-and-city-programmes) programme that tours, with a guide, the Byzantine underground water reservoir just by Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet. It can be planned as a stand-alone stop of an hour or two, or spread over half a day together with other monuments on the Historic Peninsula. It suits corporate teams looking for a different atmosphere in its cool, dimly lit interior. ### What is in the programme? The cistern was built in the 6th century, under Emperor Justinian I, to meet the water needs of the Great Palace and its surroundings. In the structure, also known locally as the Sunken Palace (Yerebatan Sarayı), the roof is carried by 336 columns; because many of them were taken from older buildings, the capitals and shafts differ from one another. On the guided visit the group moves along the walkways above the water while the guide explains the differences between the column capitals, the column with the teardrop motif and the two Medusa heads used as column bases in the north-west corner. How the cistern was long forgotten in the Ottoman period, and came back on record in the 16th century when a French traveller noticed that houses in the area were drawing water from their basements, is one of the stories that draws the most interest on the visit. ### Highlights - A guided walk through an underground space of 336 columns - The story of reused pieces such as the Medusa heads and the weeping column - A tangible example of water management in the Byzantine city - An indoor space that is cool in summer and sheltered from the wind in winter ### Who Is It For? Planned for SME and corporate teams of 10-80. For teams in the infrastructure, water, energy and construction sectors, it is an engaging example of urban engineering; thanks to its short duration, it can also be used as a cultural break added to meeting or conference days. Physical effort is low; there are stairs at the entrance and exit. ### Planning Notes - As the walkways are narrow, large groups move through the cistern in smaller sub-groups. - The interior is dim and the floor can be damp in places; non-slip shoes are recommended. - As the entrance queue can grow long during the day, planning the group's time slot in advance is recommended. - It links easily into the same half day as Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet Square and Topkapı Palace. ## Corporate Fit - Suitable Team Size SME and corporate teams of 10-80 - Segment Economy - Extra Features Local economy, Accessible Corporate Program Summary The Basilica Cistern corporate trip is a short guided culture programme visiting the Byzantine underground water reservoir in Sultanahmet, Istanbul; for teams of 10-80. ## Tour Gallery ![Basilica Cistern Corporate Trip](https://cdn.kurumsalgeziler.com/storage/tours/detail/844818b7-a3d7-4da1-bf66-96e96ee1d11d.webp) ** ** ## FAQ What size of company is the Basilica Cistern trip suited to? The Basilica Cistern trip is particularly suited to SME and corporate teams of 10-80. The flow of the programme can be tailored to the number of participants, the department structure and the motivation outcome you are aiming for. Is the Basilica Cistern trip in the economy, standard or premium category? This tour is positioned in the economy segment. The price is finalised according to the number of participants, dates, transport, meals, guiding and any additional activities. Does the Basilica Cistern trip include sustainability or ecological features? The programme's standout additional features are: a contribution to the local economy and an accessible programme. Low-carbon transport, low-waste operations and local sourcing options can be added as needed. How do we get a quote for the Basilica Cistern trip? To get a quote, simply share the number of participants, your date range, destination, budget segment and any special requirements in the tour request form. A proposal with alternative prices and programmes will be prepared for your corporate team. 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