Theodosius Cistern Istanbul

The New Byzantium gem

Zekeriya from Istanbul

About me I am devoted to culture; to experience the "other" ways of living, eating, observing and travel. I believe that mutual language is to understand the culture of others. I am a devotee for travel, music and photography. I love to experience world music as well, the music out there that opens up the minds and crushes down boundaries. Why Istanbul? Because Istanbul is...
""Theodosius Cistern" in Istanbul is unique in the world and older than even the Hagia Sophia. In my opinion it's highlight and not to be missed..."

The most famous underground cistern in Istanbul is usually packed and no one knows the recently restored Theodosius Cistern that is at least 100 years older than St. Sophia Church. This cistern had been closed for ages and has now been totally renovated and restored (it took 8 years). As a culture and Byzantium lover, this cistern is the highlight of the city and not to be missed. It's the new Byzantium in town as I call it.

The Turkish name is Şerefiye Sarnıcı, just in case you need to get directions. It's very close to the Cistern of Philoxenos. This beautifully restored cistern is made of brick lined with hydraulic mortar. Its roof consists of a series of brick vaults, supported by 32 marble columns (8 columns and 4 rows) with Corinthian capitals.

This 1,600-year-old cistern is older than the Hagia Sophia and an important cistern. It is not possible to find another like it in the world. It was built in the fifth century and has been known as the Theodosius Cistern since the 19th century. We see a cistern that stands still for nearly 1,600 years. Possibly, it, which features 32 columns inside, was built in the period of Roman Emperor Theodosius II.

Having been built in the period of Roman Emperor Theodosius between 428 and 443, the Theodosius Cistern will become an important spot for all visitors.

002-building
Art & culture

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Istanbul Spotter Zekeriya

About me I am devoted to culture; to experience the "other" ways of living, eating, observing and travel. I believe that mutual language is to understand the culture of others. I am a devotee for travel, music and photography. I love to experience world music as well, the music out there that opens up the minds and crushes down boundaries. Why Istanbul? Because Istanbul is unique... Athens, Alexandria, Antioch, Rome, or those that have come after, such as Baghdad and Damascus... These are cities with mono-culture, cities that do not host a historical continuity o...

About this spot

Piyer Loti Cd. No:23

TL

free

Oct 29, 2025

Our Istanbul City Guide

Find your way with 241 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Istanbul guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul

The Bench with a poet

A Poetic View of Istanbul

The bench itself, though simple in design, provides a comfortable and inviting place to rest. Sit in silence, read a book, or watch the world go by...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Nov 21, 2025

Yenikoy Kitapcisi

Book Coffee Affair in Istanbul

What sets Yenikoy Kitapcisi apart is that they proudly showcase lesser-known publishing houses, celebrating diversity & creativity of the literary world.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Nov 21, 2025

Brasserie Di Dante

Church and mosque unite

When you enter Brasserie di Dante, you're greeted by an outdoor seating area surrounded by plants and trees. Even in cold weather, they have fire heaters.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Nov 21, 2025

Çukurcuma Hamamı 1831

Spa day in Istanbul

Çukurcuma Hamam 1831 has a unisex policy, allowing you to enjoy the experience with your partner. As the hamam is not very big, make a reservation.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Nov 21, 2025

Explore Çukurcuma

Art nouveau at Faik Paşa St.

As you walk from Galatasaray to Karaköy, prepare for a nostalgic journey with a contemporary vibe with cobblestone streets and art nouveau-style buildings.

002-building
Art & culture
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Nov 21, 2025

Isola Cocktail Bar

A stylish escape in Istanbul

Whether for daytime dining or nighttime pleasure, Isola Bomonti promises a Mediterranean-inspired moment that's sure to please...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Nov 21, 2025

Nadas Istanbul

Ecology and Art in Istanbul

Nadas Istanbul is a creative space dedicated to urban diversity with the goal of creating a more leisurely, conscious, and empathetic living community.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Nov 21, 2025

Feriköy Antique Bazaar

Vintage day in Istanbul

Here you will find vinyls, old books and magazines, original film posters, collections of old coins, old photos, jewels, and much more...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Nov 21, 2025

Çukurcuma 49

Pizza meets rustic vibes

They offer a variety of traditional as well as innovative styles of pizzas, all made with the freshest ingredients and all nineteen of them are delicious!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Nov 21, 2025

Zeyta Emirgan

Wine and olive house in Istanbul

Zeyta Emirgan, is a charming wine house located on the most beautiful street in Emirgan with a great selection of boutique wines from Turkey and Europe.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Nov 21, 2025

Tütün Deposu

Exhibitions in a tobacco warehouse

Tütün Deposu is a non-commercial, flexible, and independent space that welcomes critical voices in Istanbul's cultural landscape.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Nov 21, 2025

Glow Coffee

Cool spot, good latte

"Glow Coffee" in Istanbul has wonderful brownies and makes lattes with oat milk! Haven't seen it anywhere else yet...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Cemre

Sandal

Nov 19, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Istanbul app Home
Istanbul app Home
Istanbul app Map
Istanbul app Home

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

241 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Istanbul

Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
7291
Made with the 💚 of 496 Spotters.
Filters