Basilica Cistern Opening Hours

Open every day with separate daytime and evening sessions. Plan your visit with the latest times.

The Basilica Cistern is open to visitors every day of the week, including public holidays. The visiting schedule is divided into a daytime session and a special 'Night Shift' experience, with a one-hour closure in between. Check the schedule below to decide the best time for your visit.

Daily Opening Hours

Daytime Visit

Monday – Sunday09:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Closure for Session Change

Monday – Sunday6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Night Shift Visit

Monday – Sunday7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Important: The Night Shift requires a separate, higher-priced ticket and offers a different experience with special lighting and fewer crowds. The last admission for the daytime session is typically one hour before closing. The cistern does not have different seasonal hours.

Opening Hours FAQ

Your questions about timing your visit

Is the Basilica Cistern open on public holidays?
Yes, the cistern is open every day of the year, including national and religious holidays, with the same daily schedule.
What is the Night Shift?
The Night Shift is a special evening session from 19:30 to 22:00. It features atmospheric lighting and often has fewer visitors, providing a more intimate experience. It requires a separate ticket.
Do the hours change in summer or winter?
No, the Basilica Cistern maintains the same opening hours year-round. There are no seasonal changes to the schedule.
When is the last entry?
Last admission is generally one hour before the closing time of each session. For the daytime visit, this would be around 17:30.
Why is it closed between 18:30 and 19:30?
This one-hour period is used to clear the cistern of daytime visitors and prepare the lighting and ambiance for the separate Night Shift experience.
Should I visit during the day or at night?
It depends on your preference. Daytime offers better visibility of architectural details, while the Night Shift provides a more dramatic and quieter atmosphere. See our best time to visit page for a comparison.
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