Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) is a Byzantine basilica in Istanbul, Istanbul Province, Turkey, and a filming location for From Russia with Love (1963) and Inferno (2016). It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Location: Istanbul, Istanbul Province, Turkey
Verified facts
- Located in Istanbul, Istanbul Province
confidence 70/100 · 2 independent sources · SRC-11379, SRC-11380 - Appeared in From Russia with Love (movie, 1963)
confidence 70/100 · 2 independent sources · SRC-11379, SRC-11380 - Architectural style: Byzantine
confidence 70/100 · 2 independent sources · SRC-12356, SRC-12045 - Historic designation: UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985), as part of the Historic Areas of Istanbul
confidence 75/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-12045, SRC-13093, SRC-12238, SRC-12355 - Appeared in Inferno (movie, 2016)
confidence 75/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-12045, SRC-12046, SRC-12354 - Historic designation: UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1985), as part of Historic Areas of Istanbul
confidence 75/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-12045, SRC-12238, SRC-12355 - Architectural style: Byzantine
confidence 75/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-12045, SRC-12238, SRC-12356
Evidence & sources
- SRC-11379 — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/From_Russia_with_Love_(film) (Tier 1, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-11380 — https://www.movie-locations.com/movies/f/From-Russia-With-Love.php (Tier 2, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-12045 — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_Cistern (Tier 1, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-12046 — https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/istanbuls-basilica-cistern-on-silver-screen-with-inferno (Tier 3, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-12238 — https://www.advantour.com/turkey/istanbul/basilica-cistern.htm (Tier 3, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-12354 — Daily Sabah — 'Inferno' set in historic center of Istanbul (Tier 2, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-12355 — Daily Sabah — World heritage in Turkey: Historical areas of Istanbul with marvelous masterpieces (Tier 2, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-12356 — The Byzantine Legacy — Basilica Cistern (Tier 2, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-13093 — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Areas_of_Istanbul (Tier 1, reference; retrieved June 2026)
How we verify
Every fact above is independently corroborated by at least two reputable sources and
confidence-scored before publication. Claims that cannot clear that bar are withheld. We show the
street address only for non-residential public landmarks (museums, commercial and civic buildings,
publicly documented filming-location sites); the exact addresses of private residences and any
personal information are structurally barred from publication. Last reviewed June 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Where was From Russia with Love filmed?
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı), in Istanbul, Istanbul Province, is a real-world filming location used for From Russia with Love. This property has also appeared on screen in Inferno.
Where was Inferno filmed?
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı), in Istanbul, Istanbul Province, is a real-world filming location used for Inferno. This property has also appeared on screen in From Russia with Love.
Where is Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) located?
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) is located in Istanbul, Istanbul Province.