Şerefiye Sarnıcı - The Theodosius Cistern Light Show / Istanbul Museums
Şerefiye Cistern, also known as Theodosius Cistern was recently renovated by the Istanbul Municipality. From now on, they welcome all the local and foreign tourists.
Let me tell you a little bit about my experience, we went there by tram. When you get off at Çemberitaş station, the cistern is located in 5 mins walking distance. You can ask for a help at this point, everyone would know where it is.
So, when you get there, the modern glass museum building welcomes you. The vivid light show takes place in every hour. In our case it was around 4.30pm, that we have to wait for 30mins.
The Şerefiye Cistern is open to visitors every day of the week between 09.00 and 19.00. Make sure that you don’t be late for the event, otherwise you could miss all the show.
At 5 pm, they let us walk inside, down the stairs to the cold humid cistern. It gives you goosebumps when you feel the chill & fresh air, thinking about the ancient ages where it was built by Roman Emperor Theodosius II around 430 to store water, supplied by the Valens Aqueduct. How many years they provided and distributed water by using this cistern is amazing.
If you are planning to visit Istanbul, you have to add this place in your list. After the restoration it’s already a popular destination.
For mor information, you can visit the official website:
https://www.serefiyesarnici.istanbul/en/
If you have already visited Şerefiye Cistern, please drop a comment below, we really wonder what tourists have to say :)