The present research constitutes a thorough investigation of the seismic characteristics of an 18th-century stone masonry cistern situated in the Fethiye area of Turkey, highlight-ing the need to protect cultural heritage structures located in areas vulnerable to seismic events. The mechanical characteristics of the stone masonry materials used for building the cistern were determined using experiments. The seismic behavior of the cistern was then analyzed both statically and dynamically using the software program SAP2000 V22. It can be observed from the analysis that the seismic response in the case of the cistern along the short axis is higher than in the case of the long axis. In addition, some important stress concentration points were revealed by the analysis, with the maximum compressive stress being 0.525 MPa and maximum tensile stress being 0.272 MPa. Moreover, the out-side surface of the cistern experienced the maximum horizontal displacement of 1.5 cm along the short direction. Also, it was seen that shear stresses in wall A1, which contains the door opening, exceeded the typical shear stress of the wall, implying imminent risk of local failure. Stress concentration areas were found near the main openings of the dome and openings in walls, representing the key points that require interventions. In general, it can be inferred from the analysis that the structure withstands seismic events, but ac-cumulated stress levels in certain areas can cause cracking. Some important recommen-dations on retrofitting have been provided based on the analysis, offering an opportunity to improve the structure’s seismic response. Thus, the current research contributes to the field of analysis of seismic characteristics of historical masonry structures by providing an analysis of an important water storage structure. The study has been conducted in ac-cordance with the objectives stated and provides important recommendations on how to retro-fit the structure, making it more resistant to seismic loads. While previous studies of historical masonry structures were mainly concerned with the analysis of their seismic responses, with buildings such as churches, mosques, and towers considered, very few re-searchers examined the cistern structures from the point of view of retrofitting in relation to seismic events.