Hagia Sophia Skip the Line Combo Ticket: Basilica Cistern + Museum

About this tour

This combo ticket bundles three of Istanbul's landmarks into one visit. At the Basilica Cistern, you'll walk among hundreds of lit columns and the famous carved Medusa heads in the vast underground reservoir that once supplied the city with water. Hagia Sophia, built for Emperor Justinian in 532 AD, has served as a cathedral, a mosque, and a museum, and still holds one of the tallest domes ever raised over a Christian church. The museum fills in the rest with interactive exhibits and preserved artifacts spread across three floors.

Highlights

• Discover the Basilica Cistern, an ancient infrastructure that has served Istanbul's water needs for centuries.
• Witness Byzantine artworks, including the iconic Medusa heads and hundreds of illuminated columns.
• Learn about the secrets of these subterranean structures as you navigate the underground site.
• Delve into the architectural evolution of Hagia Sophia, a testament to the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.
• Discover the history of an Istanbul icon celebrated for its dome, architecture, and remnants of gold mosaics.
• Hear the stories behind this monument that has functioned as a cathedral, museum, and mosque over the years.
• Gain an in-depth understanding of the rich history and architecture of Hagia Sophia.
• Explore interactive exhibits, engaging displays, and preserved artefacts across three floors.
• Experience an innovative approach to witnessing the evolution of this church-turned-mosque.

Included / Excluded

Available Days / Times

• Monday
• Tuesday
• Wednesday
• Thursday
• Friday
• Saturday
• Sunday