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★4.8

Hagia Sophia Museum

Istanbul, Turkey
4.8 / 97
hagia-sophia-museum
The Hagia Sophia Museum in Istanbul is a remarkable historical landmark that shouldn't be missed. This ancient church, which later became a mosque, is just a short walk from the equally impressive Blue Mosque. The exterior and interior of the Hagia Sophia are truly breathtaking, with its grand domes and stunning mosaics. While the inside may not be as perfectly maintained as some other mosques, it still exudes a sense of calm and peace. However, the presence of crowd control barriers can spoil the effect a bit. It is recommended to visit around 9pm when it is nearly empty and no ticket, queue, or guide is required. One unique aspect of the Hagia Sophia is its ability to provide a magical experience during the evening call to prayer, especially when combined with the Blue Mosque opposite. The architectural beauty of this mosque is complemented by its cleanliness and spiritual atmosphere. Inside, you'll find astonishing lamps, icons, and saintly places. This architectural marvel is not only a symbol of Istanbul's rich heritage and history but also a testament to the fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman influences. Stepping inside the Hagia Sophia is like entering a world of cultural and religious significance. Its grandeur and intricate design make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site that leaves visitors in awe. The fact that it still preserves the paintings of Jesus Christ and Mary, despite being a mosque, deserves respect. The sheer size and scale of the Hagia Sophia Mosque are awe-inspiring. The blend of Byzantine and Islamic styles in its architecture, along with its intricate details and mosaics, showcase the incredible craftsmanship involved in its creation. Climbing to the upper gallery provides stunning panoramic views of Istanbul, adding to the overall experience. However, it's important to note that there are certain rules to follow when visiting the mosque. Women must cover their hair and legs, while men and women should not wear shorts. The wait time to enter during touristy seasons can range from 35-40 minutes, but it is definitely worth it. Overall, the Hagia Sophia Mosque is a must-visit destination in Istanbul. Its historical significance, timeless beauty, and cultural significance make it a truly unforgettable experience.
Address:Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1
Phone:+90 212 522 17 50

27.08.23
Wayne
Ancient church that became a mosque after the fall of Constantinople centuries ago. A short walk from the equally impressive Blue Mosque . Fantastic inside and out. Free admission. Women must cover hair and shoulders. Shorts not allowed for men .. Read more »
04.08.23
Dave
inside is massive, calm, peaceful. it's not entirely beautiful inside as it was a museum and wasn't maintained perfectly i think like the other mosques I saw. Also the presence of so many crowd control barriers spoils the effect a bit. g.. Read more »
31.07.23
zauri
This mosque is very attractive and beautiful created. cleaned and spiritual. when you will go inside please follow the rule and take off your shoes, nearby is storage places where you can put it. inside of this mosque is astonishing lamps, icons and.. Read more »
19.07.23
myviews
What an awesome and inspiring historical landmark with such a beautiful landscape Hagia Sophia is an incredible architectural marvel and a symbol of Istanbul's rich heritage and history. Its history, grand domes, stunning mosaics, and intricate .. Read more »
10.06.23
Dallin
Hagia Sophia is an architectural marvel and a symbol of Istanbul's rich history. Its grand domes, stunning mosaics, and intricate design showcase a fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman influences. Stepping inside, one is transported to a world of cul.. Read more »
12.03.23
Saqlain
I had the pleasure of visiting Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul, and it was an experience I will never forget. This architectural marvel is truly awe-inspiring, and the sheer size and scale of the building is breathtaking. The history of Hagia Sophia.. Read more »
17.01.23
Olli
Hagia Sophia is one of the most important Mosques in İstanbul. This is the second time that my husband and I visit this magnificent place! This mosque has a historic and religious significance. Once was the largest eastern Roman Church. Later was a m.. Read more »
19.12.22
Shweta
This is a beautiful and must-visit place in Istanbul. Please have enough time in hand to go around this place. First of all, there is a queue to enter this place and it is mandatory to cover heads for ladies. The place has a history to it and the ar.. Read more »
13.11.22
Njal
This is one of the most beautiful buildings I've ever been in (partly because I'm a big history nerd, plus I particularly enjoy religious buildings). The architecture and interior itself is incredibly impressive, with the high ceiling, the .. Read more »
13.10.22
Faiser
I haven't got the vocabulary to describe the magnificence of this building. So beautiful and elegant. Please visit if you are in Istanbul. Not to be missed. Especially if around prayer time It is such a nice feeling to hear the call to prayer .. Read more »
27.07.22
Erda
Having been here 11 years ago as a museum and back again as a mosque, and as a non-Muslim foreign tourist, I strongly prefer its current incarnation. When it was a museum, it charged a ticket and the line at the ticket office was almost an hour long... Read more »
16.07.22
huda
Absolutely stunning and must-go if you’re in Istanbul. Entrance was free (i went on a Friday, not sure about other days). I quickly saw the inside of the mosque then visited the tombs in the other buildings, and it took me 30 minutes. You can t.. Read more »
11.07.22
Lefteris
Such an incredible church. It's grandeur is clear from the moment you set eyes on it. Going inside is one of the most memorable experiences of my life. It is pretty sad to see so many people to try and justify, or even applaud the decision to ma.. Read more »
21.05.22
Nada
My second time in Istanbul to visit this beautiful place and it never disappoints! So much history in a single structure! The restoration in conversion from church to mosque is stunning! Admission is free, but lineups are very long since the pandemic.. Read more »
11.04.22
K
Breathtaking place. We went there during a prayer session and we were hesitant that we'd be disturbing the folks. But, everyone was friendly and recognised us that we visitors wouldn't be disturbing them. Some even offered to click picture.. Read more »
15.03.22
Armend
One magnificent construction. You feel you are wrapped up by history here. A holy place that holds up the prayers of millions of people. This building looks great both by day and by night. Very nicely preserved and serves its purpose to so many. An .. Read more »
06.03.22
Moosa
I've been to this monument at several occasions in my life. First, I visited the Hagia Sophia over a decade ago, when I visited Istanbul. During those times, this monument was a museum, as it was converted into a museum from a mosque. Recently, .. Read more »
19.02.22
All
A bucket list experience that exceeded my expectations. Hagia Sophia is a working mosque and truly is a special place for people of the Muslim faith. I am not Muslim but experienced genuine awe upon entering. Words and pictures can try to describe th.. Read more »
13.02.22
Oksana
One magnificent construction. You feel you are wrapped up by history here. A holy place that holds up the prayers of millions of people. This building looks great both by day and by night. Very nicely preserved and serves its purpose to so many. An .. Read more »
20.11.21
Stayapriya
Hagia Sophia is a beautiful piece of art and It has an amazing structure with amazing interior paintings with gold. There is a long queue always and you must have a head cover or umbrella for sun. Nice place, very much crowded but well managed. Peopl.. Read more »
26.08.21
Jun
Genius ingenuity and art work come together. Through out the years it was church and turned into museum then mosque. It was good that we went with a local tour guide to learn more about each of this landmark’s historical event. Bring your scarf.. Read more »
25.07.21
Fazal
2015: The Hagia Sophia - Perfect Example of SECULARISM, a church, then a mosque and now a museum with all artifacts. 2021: Hagia Sophia is a great architectural beauty and an important monument both for Byzantine and for Ottoman Empires. Once a chur.. Read more »
17.07.21
Matthew
Stunning, serene and soothing... if you arrive in the morning before the crowds - otherwise just stunning! An incredible building with an equally impressive history. Unfortunately large parts of the building are undergoing renovation at the moment (s.. Read more »
07.02.21
Caglar
One of the Perfect places in Istanbul... I guess it doesn't wrong that here is like a meeting point for all religions. You wouldn't stop yourself to take photos. Before to visit here you need some money, but now you can visit here free. Pre.. Read more »
03.01.21
Siyan
A must see destination when visiting Istanbul! It was a breathtaking place with rich culture and history! The beauty of the murals and the display of its significance was fascinating! There is a place were you can go up the stairs on the west side of.. Read more »
22.12.20
Ray
I felt kinda sad when I heard the news that they converted it to mosque but I think it should've been left in a previous neutral state as a museum. Neither mosque nor church just something that can be equally sacred for everyone. Given its hist.. Read more »
21.12.20
Ray
I felt kinda sad when I heard the news that they converted it to mosque but I think it should've been left in a previous neutral state as a museum. Neither mosque nor church just something that can be equally sacred for everyone. Given its hist.. Read more »
14.11.20
Stephen
Before you could only enter Aya Sophia when you bought a museum ticket but this all changed in July 2020 when they opened it as an actual mosque where people can pray. It is hard to describe, but I really adore this place. I went 3 times in a week j.. Read more »
01.11.20
Nolwazi
Breath taking museum, everything has a rich meaning. It was everything that I read about and what I had expected. I booked a tour, which was amazing. The tour guide had an Indepth understanding of the museum. It's a must see. Go to a restaur.. Read more »
15.10.20
Stayapriya
Hagia Sophia is a beautiful piece of art and It has an amazing structure with amazing interior paintings with gold. There is a long queue always and you must have a head cover or umbrella for sun. Nice place, very much crowded but well managed. Peopl.. Read more »
27.09.20
Nemanja
It's really amazing to see something do monumental that withstood the test of time for 1500 years. It's a shame that beautiful marble floors are now covered with carpet since this, once greatest church in the world, was yet again converted .. Read more »
21.09.20
Funny
Absolutely breathtaking! Most beautiful structure I have seen. Must visit!
17.09.20
Vilislav
It’s really beautiful and magnificent... but unfortunately at the moment all christian paintings are covered with some banners. Also the upper floors are closed. I respect all religions but let’s not forget this is a really important monu.. Read more »
09.09.20
Nagimusha
Yesterday I visited Hagia Sophia when it was functioning as a mosque, and I was pretty disappointed as most parts of the building were closed to visitors. There is only accessible place and it's just a space for prayer. All mosaics were covered .. Read more »
05.09.20
Tashdid
One of the most spiritually moving historical sites of all time. I've been here recently in September of 2020 after the site has been converted from a museum to a masjid (mosque). All of the Masājid (mosques) here in Turkey have a common archite.. Read more »
04.09.20
Sidrah
Absolutely overwhelming! FREE OF CHARGE. If you do some reserach before visiting you will really understand why Ayasofya is famous and the heart of Istambul and how in 1453 was converted to a mosque by the emperor. I felt so good by entering the mosq.. Read more »

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