One other "must see" place when you go to istanbul, the Haia Sophia is a very beautiful christian cathedral, directly in front of the Blue Mosque in the Sultan Ahmet district, it was once transformed in a mosque but is now a museum where you can learn all it's history, definitly worth a turn
Absolute must-do in Istanbul. Tickets cost 60TL per person (~ 9, ~US$10) It is an amazing cultural experience. Only advice is to come as soon as the mosque opens to be able to visit with the least amount of tourists as possible, and not have to wait in line for half an hour.
The place looks amazing. We thought that there would be more things to look at or something like that as it was labelled as a museum though. Some parts of the place were under renovation when we got there. But the whole place still looks really great!
Historical museum with two religion Christian and than Islam.
This is a piece of history and must visit with a certified guide. Originally a Roman orthodox church destroyed and rebuilt surviving riots, fire, earthquakes and even looting by the crusaders. The ottoman Turks had preserved the church by converting into a mosque. Now it s open as museum revealing the original church mosaic which was preserved and so beautiful. Ongoing excavations and restorations show insight into the original and earlier construction of Hagia Sophia. The synchronised Adhan (call to prayer) with the opposite Sultan Mehmet mosque is soul touching.
Amazing architecture and history, a photo cannot do it justice.
Probably one of the most important buildings in Istanbul, full of history and significance. A must see for history enthusiasts.
Good atmosphere, but entrance tickets are expensive so i suggest you just see from outside
Had a great time roaming here. Wait time wasn't that bad. Not worth getting express pass. Just go around in other places and come back when line is shorter.
Don't get your guide. Complete Muppets. They claim to have PhD in field of history yet don't know what constantinople was.
I love this place because I learn about before the Christianity what means
Magnificent building bringing memories from the Byzantium. Wish it was better preserved. Anyway takes you to another time!
Packed with intense history, an awesome part of Istanbul, must visit
Nice to know that a Mosque is used to teach scientific knowledge too
I could say that its interior is very beautiful and gorgeous. Hagia Sophia or Aya Sofya in Turkish is very famous attraction. It is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. The main Dome is showing Islamic elements on the top. On the upper, there are the sultan's gallery and several old mosaics. This is a MUST in Istanbul. Love it.
A must see while in Istanbul, but unfortunatelly large part was under reconstruction
Truly a life-changing experience to visit. The history inside this one building is incredible.
I ve been to many many places, visited numerious monuments across 5 continents yet this place remains my favourite. Buy a muze card in advance to avoid the queue at the entrance. Empress chambers is a must see (on the second floor). You will indeed feel overwhelmed after you enter the museum. Museum shop is however ridiculously overpriced. Especially the books.
my experience was horrible because i ended up sick for 15 days and spent tons of money in the hospital all because of some juice i drunk there. theres alittle spot at the end where you'll find some guys selling juice my advice do not buy it. you'll regret it. i almost went to the police .
the palace itself was beautiful but that incident made the whole thing bad
Absolutely amazing place with wonderful history! A definite place to visiting you're in Istanbul!
The Hagia Sophia isn t just the best-known tourist attraction in Istanbul, or one of Europe s most cherished landmarks it s one of the greatest buildings in human history. This church, nearly 1500 years in age, was once the center of Byzantine faith, later reborn as the predominant mosque of the Ottoman Empire, and today has found a new purpose as one of the world s most popular museums.
Would have been better with more information inside
It's grand, majestic, and immersively old. The mosaics on the walls, worn out stone floors, and pleasant coolness after the hotness of Istanbul streets.
Find the column with the handprint, stare up into the evening dinner and wonder how this could be built 1.5 thousand years ago. One of the most important landmarks of world architecture.
The Hagia Sophia, one of the historical architectural wonders that still remains standing today, has an important place in the art world with its architecture, grandness, size and functionality. It was used as a church for 916 years but, More
Awesome experience to which there are many layers: architecture, history of empires, church history, modern Turkish history... While I had read the guide books before hand, I still wasn't ready for several surprises, nor the for the majesty of the building.
Do not order coffee in the inner yard. The museum is great, but cafe is really bad. Unfriendly personnel, high prices and very bad quality.
A real amazing historical place. If you are visiting Istanbul this place should be on the top of your list.
I was there when it was a Christian Church and I can tell you it was a hell of a lot better before it became a mosque. It's uh uh... lets see.. it's decoration was better it's interiors and it's God was a lot more real than it is now. I mean that that the God worshiped there before ACTUALLY existed unlike now.
It is enough that it becomes a mosque as it was before Alhmdullah
Great to see how changes in ownership historically developed the structure into what it is today.
Amazing place, full of history and culture. Actually, all the old city is. Hagia Sophia is an excellent example of the changes of history and a reflection of the achievements of humanity, to all who have had control of the building. The stone, the columns, the colour, the mosaics and painting decorations, even in the small places, are wonderful.
Orthodox cathedral, catholic cathedral, mosque, museum.
A must visit.
Mesmerised by the majesty and grandeur of this place
Beautiful with lots of nooks and crannies to explore, though I preferred my visit to Mesquita in Cordoba for the overall experience, in particular because the audio guide was not as confusing as in Hagia Sophia.
Very long queue with children and older people not good enough
One of the most wonderful place on the World to visit
Beautiful place Hagia Sophia is the former Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral, later an Ottoman imperial mosque and now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. Built in 537 AD at the beginning of the Middle Ages, it was famous in particular for its massive dome
A great historical and architectural monument to see in Istanbul.
Church come Mosque come Museum. It really testifies the technological advancement and the wealth of the kingdom who built it. Built in sixth century, the mosaics and wall paintings are still beautiful. It s located very close to Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque, so you can just walk between the three places. It is amazing than the museum was built more than 1400 years ago.
Amazing museums, recommend a guide tour for this one
One of the oldest structures on Earth dating back to appropriately the year 500, this monument has hosted to different religions and empires. And now since it is a museum, it is the only place on Earth you will find Islamic calligraphy alongside Christian motifs. Visiting this place is unforgettable!
An awe inspiring place that just breaths history. The detail and architecture is something to behold. The Aya Sophia is a must see when visiting Istanbul. The reason for the three star rating is that it's under renovation so a lot is hidden behind scaffolding. Worth a see once they are done with renovation.
Because I couldn't go to it because it is too expensive it's 180+ in Turkish lira currency
Amazing, just spectacular a must visit if your in Istanbul. Get the museum pass to get access to other sites....
1600 year old structure , 42 ton heavy pillars brought from old temples dating back 3000 years, solid bronze doors, marbled floors, artistic domes - Hagia Sophia is a representation of the rich history of Constantinople ( now Istanbul). A must visit.
Majestic construction from 6th century!
You can't leave Istanbul without visiting this church/mosque/museum
It is valued for a visit, even the ticket fee rise yearly.
Majestic!
A beautiful building where culture, history and religion converge. Pleasing to the eye in every corner, whether of you want to have a general view or if you want to pay attention to the little details.
Fantastic, would recommend that you get a guide for your visit
always amaze with the wonder build in Instambul. Unfortunately cannot look for more in upstair as it was in renovation.
One of the best places to feel the history in the world! I think everyone should taste the atmosphere. Different cultures and treasures in the same spot. Definitely fantastic!
One of the MUST visit in Istanbul. The Hagia Sophia has it stories from back at the year 532. The museum was used to be a cathedral, then a mosque, and finally converted into a public museum. It boasts Byzantine style architecture which was recognized as the best of its time.
You can marvel the decor from the ground floor as well as the second floor. Although some parts of it are having restoration works. The decor shows both sides from its previous usage.
If you re coming for a visit, make sure to come early. As the queue gets longer as the day goes. The current entry fee is TL 60, but can also get a bundle with the Museum Pass. Another option is to get a fast track ticket.
It's stunning inside. Quite a bit of restoration work happening inside. Wasn't too thrilled with the entrance fees though in comparison to the Topkapi museum which has a lot more to show for.
One of the most impressive architectural wonders of the world. Not to be missed when in Istanbul.
Despite it being very well known, it is still breathtaking when you step inside and look up at the cupola.
Lots to do and see here with a great location in Istanbul.
Grand building, slowly being restored. No matter where you stand in front of the mosaic of Jesus, He looking at you.
Excellent to visit. I wish if the admission can be easier like online tickets
Amazing place. Grateful to Turkish government for taking care of this historical building and maintain for the world to see.
My husband and I were in town for a layover and decided to stop and see a few of the sights. The Hagia Sophia was top on our list and I'm very glad it was. The inside is beautiful and there is so much history! Definitely a must see.
It is a museum, not a mosque anymore. Of course it shows a mixed character with Byzantine Christian features and Muslim adaptations alike. The mosaics with Jesus and Mary are of a serene beauty.
The dome is impressive, in fact the whole building is awesome. The church must have been the center of the Christian world.
It is clearly rightfully the top attraction in Istanbul. At this point in time a large portion is under reconstruction, but there remains enough that can be enjoyed.
Beautiful place but on going works with many areas covered so unable to see
A special place to visit. Where you will find anout union of two religion. Christianty and Islam. Mosaics from Byzantine time show that Ottomans (Turks, muslims) were not barbar. They left drawings and mosaic survive through the ages.
This place really talks to you if you are having interest in ottoman history and religions. Study well about its history before coming here.
Of course.... Simply great. Islam and christian religion in a same place. Works still in progress, since years... But one of the major visit to do anyway.
