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Hagia Sophia

(Ayasofya)

Historic and Protected Site

Cankurtaran, Fatih

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Hagia Sophia

9.1^/10

11,700

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Ranked #7 for historic and protected sites in Istanbul
"Discover amazing Hagia Sophia with official Tour Guide Mutlu Deveci."(30 Tips)
"Must visit to have an idea of Byzantine art."(14 Tips)
"The most beautiful Greek Orthodox Church in the world."(11 Tips)
"Amazing mixture of islamic and christian architecture.."(7 Tips)

446 Tips and reviews

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The TelegraphNovember 20, 2012
Right across from the cistern is the greatest single building in a city full of wonders, the Hagia Sophia or Aya Sofya (£8.70, closed Mondays). It was a church, then a mosque and is now a museum.
Upvoted Sep 18
T SJanuary 19, 2017
One of the most oldest churches since 500 AD. with a lot of details & great mixture between both Christian and Islamic cultures.
Hännelore ChavierOctober 7, 2016
1500 years of history - Originally a Greek Orthodox Cathedral, converted to a Roman Catholic cathedral for a period, later an Ottoman mosque, & now a secularized museum.🕌📿👳🏻🕋📯⛪️🇹🇷
Upvoted Oct 11
Ozan VuralMay 31, 2017
On the second floor, walk directly and turn left as the directions. In the left, you will see a small marble with runes on it. From the year 900's and it says "Halfdan was here", a Viking rune.
Burcu YatmazogluSeptember 6, 2018
One of the oldest surviving churches on the planet, which later became a mosque. Now a museum and has been home to various cultures and religions. It is unique among all the world’s grandest temples.
Carl GriffinJanuary 1, 2016
Originally a 6th century Byzantine church and HQ of the Eastern Orthodox christian church. Was converted to a mosque by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453 & then to a museum by Ataturk in 1935.
Kamyar FatemifarDecember 21, 2016
Islamic Architecture & Christian Combined To Create This Great Work of Architecture , A Mosque & A Church , I Believe Church Used to be Better Though , Yet For Best Islamic Architecture Check Isfahan
Turkish AirlinesOctober 21, 2011
Haghia Sophia is considered one of the finest architectural works in the world. Although it was occasionally damaged and repaired, its essence remains untouched especially since 1453.
Martin AngelettiAugust 11, 2014
Its really really big, noisy, crowded, saint and diverse. The ceilings r super tall, the stairs a nice place for cool pictures. Its even better if you are retracing Robert Langdon steps in Istanbul.
ReemOJanuary 29, 2015
Hagia Means holy wisdom. This museum was a cathedral(church) from 573 to 1435 then a mosque till 1931 and finally a museum. Hagia Sophia was an inspiration for many other Ottoman mosques.
FoodieNovember 19, 2018
Get audio - but bring own headphones as it is very noisy inside and they don't provide any. Also bring ID and actually carry it as it is always needed for audio, without which visit is incomplete
Serhii LutskoMay 6, 2018
Well this place is amazing. It was first built in the 3rd century!!! Very interesting for orthodox people. The line is crazy but you can get an excursion with skipping the line for about 7 euro.
B NAugust 19, 2019
Incredible spot. Something every Muslim or Christian should visit once in their life. Many ancient art has been plastered over the centuries, but some still survives and invokes pure reverence.
Rakhman MuliawanMay 11, 2018
Great museum in Istanbul, great ornaments that you can see combination of Christian and Moslem culture. Makes it the only one in the world. Great!
Burcu YatmazogluSeptember 5, 2018
One of the oldest surviving churches on the planet which later became a mosque, and now a museum has been home to various cultures and religions. It is unique among all the world’s grandest temples.
Ahn BustamanteSeptember 28, 2014
Get here early in the morning to avoid long queues. The second floor is no longer leveled. There's a restaurant just beside it just in case you feel hungry after touring the museum.
PavanDecember 29, 2014
Awestruck at the gigantic masterpiece. It's a must for anyone going to Istanbul. If you plan on visiting two or more of the historic sites, check the museum pass,you may save some money...
Shawn CallahanNovember 29, 2015
The idea that this church was built in the 500s AD and was the largest church in the world for 1000 years and I can walk around it today and even see Viking graffiti blows my mind.
Bianca BuenoAugust 11, 2014
Of course you won't miss the impressive work of art, history and culture impressed on the walls and architecture of it. And do yourself a favor and read a bit about before getting in. ;)
Thanos Antonis. 🍻🍺😝☕😀November 7, 2015
Few meters in the right hand from entrance,there's a counter where you can take your personal Ayasofya guide ( number plastic guide with earset pen or sth like that with). It's worth for 20 TL.
B❤️April 2, 2017
40 TL per person and with the tour man extra 100 TL nice and amazing historical place and islamic place from 10 to 5 pm
Noah WeissSeptember 23, 2014
This is the top MUST SEE in Istanbul. A church converted to a mosque converted to a museum tells the story of the city.
Abdul MannanOctober 20, 2019
A must visit! better to take a guided tour so you can enjoy the history behind hagia sophia :)
Muhannad SalehMarch 23, 2019
As one of the super places to feel the history of istanbul and the mix culture between Islam and Christianity that never found in other places 🙏🏼
StergiosMay 26, 2015
The most beautiful Greek Orthodox Church in the world. Skip the Turkish architectural attrocities and find grace. Αγία Σοφία, the cradle of orthodox world.
AnnaFebruary 15, 2013
Read more about it, it's quite an important piece of history. Its architectonics reflect the cross / body of Christ. Wonderful cathedral, and you can imagine how glorious it was in Byzantine times
Tania MartinezOctober 20, 2015
This place is amazing. You can see christian and muslim icons everywhere, under the same roof. And the columns were taken from greek temples.
edna_ellena .November 10, 2017
Breathtaking place. On the first floor has a column with hole in it. Its named wishing column and it has interesting story. Make a wish by rotating your thumb inside the hole making full circle.
Lillian SwordNovember 27, 2014
my favourite attractions in Istanbul. There is so much history of Christianity the restoration is incredible. Pictures do not do it justice. Beautiful attraction, I cannot wait to visit again!
H- NmrOctober 29, 2018
What a beautiful place that mixes history both Islamic and Christian under one roof , u can take a picture in every inch of the place
FoodieNovember 19, 2018
Had much higher expectations. It definitely needs reconstruction and part is actually closed for that purpose. The queue is too long. Loved the mosaics a lot (upper Gallery)
Tan OzturkJune 11, 2013
This beautiful rebuilt mosque takes your breath away!The history it encloses should be appreciated so I suggest you take a tour to learn&understand better everything. Take your time, enjoy and sink in
KostasFebruary 20, 2015
From Orthodox church to Latin cathedral, to mosque and eventually as a museum the diamond of Isidoros and Anthemius still stands today as a brilliant showcase of architecture. Absolutely breathtaking
Philip WongJune 2, 2018
I would have given it a big like however this place is undergoing a massive restoration right now. There are scaffoldings all over. I'm coming back here to see the full restoration.
Anya RoxieJuly 4, 2019
One of the most awesome places I’ve ever been to. A marvelous example of early Byzantine architecture. Awesome mosaics inside. Be ready to spend several hours inside.
Stefan DidrikApril 30, 2018
The queue can be for hours. But you'll be offered guided tours for a smaller fee. This Will take you in front of The que and give you a guided tour for about 100tl/per person.
Dean JohnsonMay 9, 2015
Beautiful architecture. I visited in mid April '15 and there was a good amount of construction but it didn't stop me from enjoying it
Ehma JohnstonOctober 17, 2014
Although the enormity of Ayasofya is overwhelming, make sure you don't miss all the small things... Like the tiles in almost hidden corner niches and the viking's graffiti on the second floor.
Lisa StarbucksMay 3, 2015
Breath taking! You can feel the age and history of this place. Go in late at 5 pm when it's less crowded.
HeyTripsterJuly 24, 2019
The Hagia Sophia, one of the unique historical architectural wonders which succeed in remain standing for hundreds of years, is among the top tourist attractions in Istanbul. Read more
HeyTripsterJuly 22, 2019
The Hagia Sophia, one of the unique historical architectural wonders which succeed in remain standing for hundreds of years, is among the top tourist attractions in Istanbul.
Asya CatzJuly 21, 2013
During Ramadan the whole area around and between aya Sofia and blue Mosque is transformed once the sun goes down. Tourist crowds disappear to give space for local to have their 1st meal. Must see
Ferhat DurannnDecember 24, 2014
15th century art and history of this structure standing among the masterpieces of architecture in the world and has become a symbol of Byzantine architecture with a large dome.
Shaileshwori SharmaJuly 23, 2016
40 TL entrance. Prepare to look up a lot because of its tall, intricate ceilings. Some parts were under repair in June but this is a necessity to preserve the historic value of the site. Tip: go up.
Andrij KrochakOctober 23, 2018
The most amazing architectural landmark of Istanbul, full of history. Must see! The art is amazing (at least that which has been recovered).
InterContinental Hotels & ResortsFebruary 26, 2013
Hagia Sophia was the world's largest church until 1520, at which time it was converted to a Mosque. It is now a must-see Museum that showcases some of the finest Byzantine art pieces. Read more
DensJuly 31, 2013
If some guy outside tries to sell you tickets that allow you to cut line, it's cool & legit (we did it) and saved us like 20 min in line. Pro tip: once inside, do tje tour backward, starting w/ exit
V@n10 ChAugust 20, 2014
Architecture is amazing, a true miracle...the art inside is being restored but im not so sure that either the icons and the frescos nor the grace can be restored!
Jamie GrantJuly 14, 2014
Do not fail to go to the second floor by way of the side passage inside and to the edge of the building. Views are spectacular and provide good photo ops.
Bogdan D.October 10, 2014
Great monumental church with both byzantine and ottoman elements; highlights are the nave, byzantine mosaics and the ablutions fountain;

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