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Hagia Sophia
(Ayasofya)
Historic and Protected Site
Cankurtaran, Fatih
"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)
451 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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- byzantine
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Bogdan D.October 10, 2014Great monumental church with both byzantine and ottoman elements; highlights are the nave, byzantine mosaics and the ablutions fountain;
Rustam GabaydullinSeptember 26, 2013Lots of people, go early in the morning to avoid big cues (though they move fast to admit). Plan as a first thing to do , a lot of interesting stuff and takes a while.
FoodieNovember 19, 2018Had 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)
Martin CopelandAugust 27, 2022Mega queues in Summer heat as they close the door when too full. Have to go in as fascinating blend of Christian and Islam and converted to a mosque only in 2020
- HeyTripsterSeptember 11, 2019Hagia Sophia is in the first place of top places of worship in the Istanbul list and it is the most important monuments in the history of world architecture. Read more
B❤️April 2, 201740 TL per person and with the tour man extra 100 TL nice and amazing historical place and islamic place from 10 to 5 pm
Varvara DeevaFebruary 3, 2017Mixing of cultures, religions and different periods of history! Architecture and atmosphere are breathtaking!
FilmsquareOctober 31, 2013Tatiana leaves the LEKTOR plans for Bond at the Hagia Sophia while being watched by a Bulgarian agent, KGB agent and Red Grant in From Russia with Love (1963).
InterContinental Hotels & ResortsFebruary 26, 2013Hagia 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
JumanaFebruary 21, 2014The place where Islam and Christianity embrace, with no boundaries. Beautiful exquisite architecture both interior and exterior. Couldn't get enough of filming and photographing 360s.
Fathima DadaFebruary 12, 2017Muslim world meets Christianity and the world doesn't end. Turkey should lead the way in blending culture and religion and it starts here at Hagia Sofia.
Ehma JohnstonOctober 17, 2014Although 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.
Chinemenma YorukJanuary 3, 2018Loved learning the storied history of this magnificent piece of architecture. One of my favorite places on earth!
JamesMay 31, 2014Muslim meets Christian in this cathedral that was converted to a mosque. A massive and beautiful building steeped in history.
- Anya RoxieJuly 4, 2019One 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.
M Aldoss ♏January 11, 2015DO NOT Miss it !!! Great Historical Mosque / Church !!! I love visiting this place every time I visit Istanbul ❤❤
Jamie GrantJuly 14, 2014Do 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.
Turkey Travel CentreFebruary 17, 2014To truly understand the history of this building and it's significant role in Christianity and Islam, it is wise visit when the crowds are gone, to research and/or attend with a professional guide. Read more
- HeyTripsterJuly 24, 2019This magnificent church, turned into a mosque and then turned into a museum, is one of the greatest architectural achievements in the world. Read more
- HeyTripsterJuly 18, 2019This magnificent church, turned into a mosque and then turned into a museum, is one of the greatest architectural achievements in the world.
Bahram MovahedJuly 16, 2017This is the first place you should visit in istanbul. It is absolutely astonishing.
Espiranza Bint AbdullaJanuary 6, 2015Beautiful architecture and brilliantly designed interior domes with mosaic. Though waa disappointed that I couldn't take proper photos due to the renovation in progress
Marina R.September 1, 2016It totally worth! You can't visit Istanbul without going there. Spend hours, read, pay attention, enjoy. This is history!
Arie MulyahatiSeptember 17, 2013This place is under renovate when I came here..but you still can enjoy the building and the park that surrounding this place..it's still beautiful even from the outside!
Turkish Travel BlogApril 6, 2015Go inside with a guide or informative book to truly understand the magic and historical importance of this place Read more
Marti VisserFebruary 7, 2014A must see!! If travelling without a guide, you can hire a Walkman recorded guide for a reasonable fee. Well worth it as there is just do much yo see
SarahAugust 6, 2016The place was under renovation, but we still enjoyed our time walking around the place and exploring its majestic architecture.
Aidu FJanuary 18, 2016Beautiful. Absolutely amazing how this place shares a history between the Christians and the Muslims.
yandrDecember 23, 2014The No1 sight in Istanbul and the only one which is maintained. Pretty sad. With official guides you skip the long queue (100tr). Audio guides for 20tr but just download info on your phone.
Panito KoukouNovember 16, 2013Magnificent Greek church which is being destroyed by Turkish from the past until nowadays! Even the Unesco could not prevent the Turkish anger about Ayia Sofia!
V@n10 ChAugust 20, 2014Architecture 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!
Konstantinos ChatzopoulosDecember 20, 2015I like it but they want to change it. Unfortunately places like that should stay as they were build because they are historical and nobody can change the importance and the history... Shame
JamesMarch 5, 2014be sure to go when the renovation is completed! if it wasnt one of the "must see" places id say to pass, not nearly as pretty or ornate as the "blue mosque"
Shaileshwori SharmaJuly 23, 201640 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.
Coco CatDecember 2, 2019Beautiful Greek Orthodox church!Many 'tour guides' approaching people outside it. Do your reaearch first. Their help is not actually needed for anything!
IzAppsSeptember 10, 2012Like Hagia Sophia, Chora is a must-see spot, built as a church and then turned into a mosque. For more information about Chora, you can have a glance at its offical application. http://bit.ly/P3nsXi
Afternoon visit is quite then morning :) a must in Istanbul. My favorite 😍😍😍
David Rmz BedoyOctober 11, 2015One of the most impressive historical sites In the world; definitely my top 5
Michel PercanAugust 5, 2015Just one of the kind mixture of Byzantium Christianity and Ottoman Islam. Have to experience it if you are in Istanbul.
Natalia QuinteroMarch 20, 2013Put the camera away for a minute, take a moment to take in the splendor of this space. This building aesthetically depicts and epitomizes human progress and innovation, enjoy it.
Giorgi MerebashviliJanuary 17, 2015The energy inside this building is amazing, the architecture one of the best in holly world, just wow must see
Museum Pass Istanbul DistributorMay 7, 2012Purchase Museum Pass Istanbul, on sale at many of the city's hotels. The card allows you to save time and money by offering admission to six must-see museums without having to queue up.
sarah || aïs™September 22, 2012(Ayasofya Müzesi) Open: daily from 09.00 – 17.00 Closed: Monday, and until 13.00 on the first day of religious holidays, Impressive History!! Dont miss the Wish Thumb wall Whole ( people are queing )
Elizaveta ErokhinaDecember 21, 2014Very beautiful! The origin of the Orthodox religion. A must in Istanbul.
Svit LatkinaMarch 7, 2015Great to visit when it's cold, not so many tourists around ... Gorgeous museum #museum #ayasofya #hagiasophia #istanbul
26,910 Photos
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Hagia Sophia, Ayasofya, Αγία Σοφία Mosque of the religious world, for the christian and muslim communities.
Open until 4:00 PM (Show more)
- October 26–April 14
- Mon–Sun
- 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
+90 212 522 17 50
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Places inside Hagia Sophia
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