Şerefiye Cistern in Fatih charges foreign visitors 900 TL. Its website lists two different closing times, 22:00 and 18:00, so plan to arrive well before 18:00. The cistern is about 1,600 years old, according to Turkish press coverage, and it is a lesser-known alternative to the Yerebatan (Basilica) Cistern, which is close by.
Last checked: 26 October 2026 from the cistern’s official website. Check the opening hours again before you go, because the page contradicts itself.
Şerefiye Cistern opening hours
The visiting-hours section of the official page says the cistern is open every day from 10:00 to 22:00. The footer of the same page says every day from 10:00 to 18:00. The page does not explain the difference. Until it does, treat 18:00 as the safe closing time, and note that the cistern can also be hired for corporate events outside normal hours.
Şerefiye Cistern tickets
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Foreign visitors | 900 TL |
| Full | 330 TL |
| Discounted (students, teachers, soldiers, police) | 90 TL |
Turkish press reported that entry for Turkish citizens became 1 TL from 17 September 2026 on presentation of an identity card. That rate does not apply to foreign visitors.
Şerefiye Cistern or Yerebatan Cistern?
Both are underground Byzantine cisterns in Sultanahmet, but they are quite different visits:
- Şerefiye is the lesser-known of the two, with rows of columns and brick vaults on show. Its ticket for foreign visitors is 900 TL.
- Yerebatan is the large, famous cistern. Its operator and ticket arrangements changed during 2026, so check the current price on the official site or at the ticket desk rather than relying on older articles.
For the history and what to look for at Yerebatan, read our Basilica Cistern guide. If you can see only one, choose Yerebatan for the classic experience, or Şerefiye if you prefer the lesser-known option. Check both prices before you decide.
How to get to Şerefiye Cistern
The address is Binbirdirek Mahallesi, Piyer Loti Caddesi No:2/1, Fatih. It is in the Sultanahmet area, close to the T1 tram line. Our Istanbul transport guide covers tram stops and walking times, and our 3 days in Istanbul itinerary shows how a cistern visit fits into a longer trip.
The official page does not describe accessibility or how long a visit takes. Contact the cistern if you need step-free access.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Şerefiye Cistern for tourists?
The official page lists 900 TL for foreign visitors.
What time does Şerefiye Cistern close?
The official page says both 22:00 and 18:00 in different places. Arrive before 18:00 to be safe.
Where is Şerefiye Cistern?
Binbirdirek Mahallesi, Piyer Loti Caddesi No:2/1, Fatih, in the Sultanahmet area.
