Santa Sofía Review

Nice museum with very few things to see. Nothing but a large dome that's impressive.

Disappointing in every aspect. Its a big church turned mosque turned museum. The story of how this place came to be probably is also the most interesting part of it. Not much too see inside except for size.

Love this building, originally church then mosque and now museum

Really awesome place to see. It's not something we are used to, but I really loved to see this. See different culture. I was there 5 years ago.

So so beautiful on the interior and exterior! Still being renovated on parts of the inside but definitely worth a visit for all religions! The main hall is just stunning. Steep slopes of bumpy corridors to get to top floor, we did it with a pram and baby and it was still ok!

6th Century cultural heritage. Marvellous architect. Renovation was going on when I visited. Hence I could not feel it 100

You ve just gotta go! Highlight of any visit to Istanbul and deservedly so. The (hi)story before it is incredible - shame religions don t respect each other like this any more - good it s now a secular space. Very beautiful interior and make sure you go up the ramps to the mezzanine level.

Must see location in Istanbul. Enjoy the massive structure and reflect on the time period of construction. Interesting with reflections of Islam and Christianity. Be sure to go to the top level along the summer set inclined pathway.

You must go to Hagia Sophia if you visit Istanbul, amazing architecture and huge musuem hall. the history and stories on walls and floors from Roman era till the era of Ottomans

Wonderful really loved it ...do ur self a favor and download a free audio tour I got guidigo (google it) it s free and sure beats paying 40 tl for a guide

Truly impressive interior! The arab letters in the corners are a bit out of place. Hope they'll finish the restoration so that people can enjoy the true scale of the dome.

Magnificent proof of history through times, regime and religion. Ex Byzantine church, ex mosque, and a recently used museum. One of places in the world where we can see Mary, Jesus, Allah writings and Muhammad writings in one room. You can peel the layer of history through its layered architectural finishing. Oh. Don't forget to find cute cat named Gli. He's been in Hagia Sophia for years, being an eye witness of the restoration and elses.

Must visit place when you travel to Istanbul, there are a lot of things to see and explore in this museum. Recommend to come around 8:45 so you can be the first one to come to the museum and enjoy it fully. Can get early morning breakfast just right outside the museum gate as well. At the end you just need to walk for few minutes to the Blue Mosque in the opposite side.

Impressive former church, now mosque. Entry is free, however the upper level is currently not open to visitors (i'm assuming due to covid). Avoid friday's until well after the friday prayer at lunch time.

Beautiful Museum! Hagia Sophia was first constructed as a Church and was then converted into a Mosque. Great to see the different symbols of both religions come together in one place. The architecture is amazing as well as the Arabic calligraphy. Queues can get quite long so it does help to have the Museum pass when visiting this site. A part of the inside is also currently undergoing renovations but one can still experience the total effects of the building. Really does help to read up a little on the history of the place before visiting.

The winter visiting hours for the Hagia Sophia are from 09.00 to 17.00, with the final entry being at 16.00. During the summer, the visiting hours are between 09.00 and 19.00, with the final entry being at 18.00. Passes are available at the box office in the museum.

The best historical place should be seen in Istanbul

One of the great must see buildings on this planet.

Just a church with some islamic motifs. Not really worth the 70 lira

Beautiful place. Sadly construction obscured half of interrupt in December 2018.

Very beautiful church & mosque charged with history. Very special. A place to see.

Gorgeous well-known museum/church/mosque. Definitely worth standing in line to go in! The entrance is only 10e and once you're in, you know you paid for something breathtaking. It's worth going everywhere in and around because every square centimetre fills you with awe of the amazing artwork the people from the past took time and effort to create. The blend of ancient Byzantine art and Turkish islamic additions is something truly unique that everyone going to Istanbul needs to experience.

Be ready to spend a couple of hours in this incredible place... it's so rich in history one can't even believe it.

If you go to Istanbul, hagia sophia is a must , amalgamation of religions.

Awesome museum, definitely wanna go there again. Make sure you go "upstairs" to the gallery, even better view on the main hall.

Place is good but the ticket is not quite resonable for this place

I love this place very much even when I was there this place was underconstruction.

If you want to go here you should go early in the morning to avoid long the long line in the ticket.

Great historic site amazing excellent location. Took amazing pictures

Beautiful historic sight. Some queue to get in, but definitely worth it.

This place is in "must see" list if you came to Istanbul. This place needs renovation from the outside. But if you go inside, you will forget how to breathe from the beauty and greatness of what you will see there!

A place for the conquerer of Istanbul and it is great and fabulous.

Loved learning about the history of this museum. Glad I got to visit before it is being turned back into a mosque. Loved the mosaics on the ceiling

Its really amazing! You can ask for a brochure inside which will brief you about the significance of the place.You can also explore the upper area of the mosque aswell.Admission price is 40 TL.Pro tip#try to buy the ticket from nearby small shops.That way you'll avoid the long line and take fast lane taking you directly inside saving you alot of time!

Beautiful but there's a lot of restorations going on and other arears are restricted due to this. Also its not opened on Mondays.

Great building with surroundings. Wonderful experience, especially if the weather helps. I would go again someday...

A absolutely stunningly gorgeous mosque, everyone visitng Istanbul should visit it.

Truly stunning Church/Mosque. The history of the siege of Constantinople and subsequent take over by the Ottoman Turks is interesting. Go with a good guide you can learn so much.

Very very nice, good to see how ancient people managed to create such amazing buildings considering limited technology & equipments.

Crowded but very beautifyl. Must visit place of turkey

A must see when you are in Istanbul. The building itself is as impressive as the story of it.

As a local in Istanbul. I can easily say Hagi sophia is one the best historical place in this city. You literaly feel the smeel of history. Everyone should see.

One of the most historically exceptional places in the world.

Bought 3 museum Pass for 135TL. This is one of it. Amazing Place. Very beautiful and vast.
The upstairs not disabled friendly. A must visit.

The structure itself is marvelous but due to big scale restoration which was literally covering almost everywhere, it's not possible to take proper photos. It didn't feel as if we are in a historical place with long history. Apparently the restoration and construction inside Hagia Sophia was poorly planned.

Amazing place. Color of Turkey. Combination of religion, culture and technology. People are very hospitable. Very nice to have a walk couple km.

One of the top sightseeings in Thessaloniki. Learn about it before you visit to fully appreciate it

A must visit. Get a guide with a card around his neck. It s about 60 lt for tour.

A must see but don't raise your expectations and don't compare to westminster abbey for instance. A unique historic monument though. Must be on your to go places list.

Magnificent and beautiful masjid.
Architectural masterpiece at a grand scale. Hundreds of years different historical time lines embedded in this one place.
A must visit for all lovers of history and beautiful architecture.

One of the best places, if u didn't visit as you didnt see anything for me it is the heart of Istanbul

Great historical place, must vista of you are in Istanbul

Magnificent and remarkable historical place. A must... Highly recommended!

This place is magnificient. Just look at the cieliengs, it has christanity, it has Islam and it has a blend of both!!

I found the history interesting and the sheer scale of the building impressive. Unfortunately it is under renovations Feb 2020 and thus the que and cost negate the greatness of it.

Beautiful architecture, incredible interior and exterior. Must see if in Istanbul.