Şerefiye Cistern (Theodosius Cistern)

Just a few minutes' walk from Sultanahmet Square and the Basilica Cistern, the Şerefiye Cistern – also known as the Theodosius Cistern – is one of the oldest surviving water structures of Byzantine Constantinople. With about 1,600 years of history, it is smaller and quieter than its famous neighbour, but its forest of marble columns, brick vaults and modern light installations make it one of the most atmospheric underground spaces in Istanbul.

History

No building inscription survives, but based on its architecture the cistern is dated to the reign of Emperor Theodosius II (408–450), and it is generally placed between 428 and 443. It stored water brought into the city by the Valens Aqueduct and distributed it to the palaces and neighbourhoods of the historic peninsula. The roof of 45 sail vaults rests on 32 marble columns about 11 metres tall, crowned with Corinthian capitals, while walls some 2.5 metres thick kept the water secure.

Over the centuries the cistern disappeared beneath later buildings and was largely forgotten. Its local name, Şerefiye, comes from the neighbourhood around it. During works by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality the cistern was uncovered and underwent a long restoration lasting about eight years. It opened to visitors in 2018 as a museum and cultural venue operated by Kültür A.Ş., the municipality's culture company, which also runs Miniatürk.

Istanbul has always depended on stored water. The Byzantine city had no large river, so rainwater and water carried by long aqueducts from the hills of Thrace were kept in open reservoirs and covered cisterns like this one. Hundreds of cisterns once lay beneath the city, and Şerefiye is one of the few that visitors can enter today, alongside the Basilica Cistern and the Binbirdirek Cistern nearby.

What to See

A modern glass entrance pavilion on Piyer Loti Street leads down into the cistern. Raised walkways run between the columns, letting you walk among the capitals while protecting the historic floor. The space is regularly used for projection mapping shows, in which light, music and images are projected onto the columns and vaults.

• 32 marble columns: topped with carved Corinthian capitals.
• Brick sail vaults: 45 shallow domes forming the roof.
• Raised walkways: a modern route that protects the historic floor.
• Light and projection shows: immersive presentations on the columns and walls.
• The entrance pavilion: a contemporary glass building contrasting with the Byzantine interior.

Visitor Tips

The cistern is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00. A visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes, which makes Şerefiye easy to fit into a day in Sultanahmet. It is cool underground all year round, a welcome break on hot summer days. Combine it with the Basilica Cistern, the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia on a guided Istanbul Old City tour, or visit it on your own as a calmer alternative when the Basilica Cistern queues are long.