Basilica Cistern Wheelchair Access Review by John Sage

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Basilica Cistern (Underground Cistern or Yerebatan Sarayi)

I made the mistake of trusting a trip review I read on the internet that said the Basilica Cistern was not wheelchair accessible. My friends toured it while I waited outside and told me afterwards that there was a wheelchair platform lift at the exit that I could have used. (That’s the issue with trip reviews….they are accurate at the time someone writes them but live forever on the internet even if accessibility has improved.) To visit the Basilica Cistern, get dropped off on Yerebatan street at the cistern entrance to buy your ticket. Afterwards, proceed downhill along the tram line to the cistern exit.

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Is there an accessible entrance? Yes, the exit of the Basilica Cistern has a wheelchair platform lift to get down the stairs. It is located on Alemdar street near the tram line.

Where is the closest place that cars/taxis can drop-off people? On Alemdar street at the exit.

What are the nearby tram stations? Sultanahmet is just uphill from the Basilica Cistern exit.

Where is the closest disabled parking? Book a room here and I will find out for you.

Are there cobblestones or hills leading to the entrance? The accessible entrance is actually the Basilica Cistern exit which is on a Alemdar street downhill from Yerebatan street.

What percentage of the attraction can be viewed without having to go up steps? 100%

Which parts are not accessible? The entrance stairs

Are there loaner wheelchairs? Book a room here and I will find out for you.

Is there an accessible bathroom? Book a room here and I will find out for you.
Is the door wide enough for a wheelchair?
Are there grab bars?
Is there a space to position a wheelchair next to the toilet?

Are there guided tours that don’t have to go up steps? No guided tours

Does advance notice need to be given for…
…handicapped parking?
…opening of an accessible entrance?
…loaner wheelchairs?
…accessible tours? No guided tours

Is there a discount for someone with a disability and/or their companion?

Opening Hours: 9-17:30 daily

How many hours do most able-bodied tourists spend there on their first visit? 30 minutes

Website: http://www.yerebatan.com/english/index.html
Email: info@yerebatan.com
Address: Yerebatan C No: 13 34410 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey
Telephone: +90 (0)212 522 12 59 or +90 212 5121570

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