The Holy Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
The majestic ex-basilica Hagia Sophia represents the greatest example of Byzantine architecture in the world and symbolizes the fluctuating destiny of this city: built by Emperor Justinian on the remains of pagan temples as a triumph of Christianity, after the conquest it was transformed into a mosque with the simple addition of four minarets and some Koranic symbols. Hagia Sophia has undergone several transformations: first a basilica, then a mosque, then a museum and then a mosque again.
Make sure to arrive before 10 am if you’d like to skip the crowds. In summer the crowds also thin out during the late afternoon. By booking the Instabul City Tourist Pass you are guaranteed access for 2, 3, 7 or 10 days to 40 and more attractions and services in the city.
It will take you at least one or two hours for a complete tour. As the mosque is a place of worship (it therefore requires an appropriate dress code) admission is free but you can book a guided tour by comparing the prices on HelloMondo. Before entering the carpets of the mosque you should remove your shoes. You are kindly required to respect the daily five prayers in the mosque, to be silent and to move away from people in prayer.
How to best experience Hagia Sophia?
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Best Hagia Sophia Tours
Tickets for Hagia Sophia: Highlights Guided Tour + Audio Guide
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Hagia Sophia Fast Track Tour
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Best Hagia Sophia Tickets
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Istanbul: Official Museum Pass
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What is the Hagia Sophia?
The Holy Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque was built by the eastern Roman emperor Justinian I as the Christian cathedral of Costantinople between 532 and 537. It was converted to mosque by Mehmed the Conqueror. The complex remained a mosque until 1931, when it was closed to the public for four years. It was re-opened in 1935 as a museum under the secular Republic of Turkey. In July 2020, the Council of State annulled the 1934 decision to establish the museum, and the Hagia Sophia was reclassified as a mosque.
How was Hagia Sophia transformed from a basilica to a mosque?
Obviously, since these are two different religious faiths, changes have been made in the passage from cathedral to mosque. The bells, altar, iconostasis, ambo, and baptistery were removed, while iconography, such as the mosaic depictions of Jesus, Mary, Christian saints and angels were removed or plastered over. Islamic architectural additions included four minarets, a minbar and a mihrab.
General informations
Useful information for your visit to Hagia Sophia.
Location
It is located in the Fatih district, in the Sultanahmet mahalle, and represents one of the most beautiful jewels of Byzantine architecture, dedicated to Divine Wisdom. The address is: Sultan Ahmet Mahallesi, Ayasofya Meydanı, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
Opening hours
To visit the Hagia Sophia the times are as follows:
- In summer, from April 1 to October 31, the Hagia Sophia Museum is open from 9 am to 7 pm, with the final tickets sold at 6 pm.
- In winter, from November 1 to March 31, the museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm with final tickets sold at 4 pm.
The museum is closed during the first days of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.
How to get to Hagia Sophia
To reach Hagia Sophia:
Tram: Sultanahmet, line T1.
Bus stop: Akbıyık (81, BN1, BN2, and YT-1)
Nearby attractions
- Basilica Cistern (176 m)
- Archaeological Museum (363 m)
- Blue Mosque (443 m)
- Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art (502 m)
- Gülhane Park (569 m)
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