Jun 29, 2025

Theodosius Cistern Istanbul

The New Byzantium gem

""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

About this spot

Piyer Loti Cd. No:23

TL

free

Find your way with 237 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

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

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

Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul

CRR Concert Hall

Istanbul's Cultural Hub

From internationally acclaimed jazz masters to dynamic dance performances, the CRR Concert Hall consistently offers top-notch entertainment.

002-building
Art & culture
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Cemre

Sandal

Jul 10, 2025

Kandilli Suna'nin Yeri

Bosphorus's maritime gem

Suna'nin Yeri's commitment to sourcing only the finest seafood is evident in every bite. Everything that is served here is fresh and sourced daily.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Jul 10, 2025

Homemade Aromaterapi

Natural and vegan products

"Homemade Aromaterapi" is a small, beautiful shop in Kuzguncuk, Istanbul. Come here for cold-pressed essential oils, cleansers, soaps, toothpaste & more!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cemre

Sandal

Jul 9, 2025

Kuzguncuk

A neighborhood with unique beauty

"Kuzguncuk" in Istanbul is a uniquely beautiful neighborhood with old colorful houses, mansions and friendly shopkeepers - a sense of connected community.

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

by

Cemre

Sandal

Jul 9, 2025

Chandeliers in Hagia Sophia Mosque

Enlightenment

The "Chandeliers in Istanbul's Hagia Sophia" have their own little recent story which is good to remember whenever you pay a visit... Lighting is key!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 4, 2025

Primitif Birahane

Beer garden experience

With it large garden and lovely ambience, "Primitif Birahane" in Istanbul resembles 'biergartens' in Germany, though here you will find plenty of cats...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

Jul 3, 2025

The Pera Museum

An alternative art museum for all

The "Pera Museum" is for you if you're into art from the life of Istanbul and the Ottoman world between the 17th and early 20th century...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

The Shoe-shine boys

A unique experience

"The Shoe-shine boys" is a very typical Istanbul sight. Having your shoes painted and polished is a nice experience, just be careful who does it for you!

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

Fenerbahçe Steamboat

Now in the past

The "Fenerbahçe Steamboat" has carried passengers across Istanbul's Bosphorus over 55 years. Now you can see this historical ship in Rahmi Koc Museum.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

Holy Fragrance sellers

Various perfumes

"Holy Fragrance" sellers sit just outside mosques and provide refreshing perfumes. I would recommend the ones in Istanbul's Beyazit and Yeni mosques.

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

Simit

The Turkish Bagel

"Simit" is the delicious Turkish and Istanbul version of bagels. You can get them at the red stands all over the city. Try to get them hot!

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant

The best haricot bean

"Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant" is one of the restaurants that serve haricot beans just outside Suleymaniye in Istanbul. Great service, worth the money...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

237 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

237 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

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
false
0
false
7291
Filters