Well worth a visit!! The architecture and mosaic tile work is phenomenal! The price is a bit expensive (60 Lira) but this historical building is a must see when visiting Istanbul. Take your time admiring the multiple levels, and dont forget to bring tour camera!! Memorable experience for sure.
Monumental memorial of Byzantium architecture, this is former orthodox temple that has been modified to the mosque, now it open as museum if u have one hour or so then you definitely should visit it.
Stunning architecture and history. Definitely worth the visit. Lots of repair works going on in building now.
Why do I feel as if the renovation never ends in this place ?
Hagia Sophia Masque, Beautiful historic building, interior and exterior is incredible. It's such a beautiful and calming place, definitely worth a visit.
fantastic but there is construction that block the view
Wonderful place of history. which ia not free. you have to pay TRY 72 ($13 Approx). before you go inside you will find some guide but my suggestion don't take any. If you really wanna take bargain the price.
It's nice and beautiful place but i don't think it deserve 72 lira for ticket
Hagia Sofia is an incredible building. It is a milestone in the history of architecture. The events that have happened under its dome are truly amazing. It is currently being renovated and I hope that they do a good job - too much of the domes interior is worn away to bare plaster and needs attention.
I would say this should be everyone's first destination in Istanbul. Being originally a Church converted into a Mosque then a museum makes it really weired and amazing to see both Islamic and Christian paintings and monuments blend together in the same place.
Beautiful place, beautiful experience, unforgettable!
Must vising place for muslims and art loving people
An amazing Orthodox church with additions from the Ottoman rule. Words don't really do it justice, just come and experience it for yourself.
Hagia Sophia officially hagia Sophia grand mosque and formerly the church of hagia Sophia.
It is located in fatih district, Istanbul, turkey.
This is one of the highlights of any trip to Istanbul but, unlike the Blue Mosque, this is a museum and needs a (hefty) entrance fee. Still, don't skip it because the interior of the building is astounding and has to be seen to be believed. There's centuries of history in this building and it has stood the test of time (and war) well.
Excellent museum but unfortunately under constant maintenance
It was magnificient awesome experience,but plan your trip there wisely because this is the most wanted tourist spot in all over istanbul.they open this place at 9 am,one hour before better you will be there.therw will queing for ticket and security check.
Worth visiting. Architectural and historical point of views are very interesting. A must in Istanbul
Dissapointed by the misleading info the guides are giving. I would suggest each one to do his own research if he is interested about the real history of Hagia Sophia.
Amazed to see that you can actually experience the merger of two civilizations
a signature of concurrence of cultures. revered for everything it is. from Roman paragon to modern museum. there is however no specific museum as in louvre or Topkapy but the mosaics are masterpieces.
Beautiful!! I m not a fan of museums, but this was great, a must see in Istanbul!
Sophia is both a church and a mosque. Noticed there is a alter pointing to mecca and another pointing to Jerusalem
Its a very historical place beautifull old church with uniqe inside. Make you live the 16 cencury an old time to be in
Must must visit. Even though just opposite blue mosque but pls visit this > blue mosque. Grand, extravagant and best of it , built in 600+AD. Too stunning to give it a miss! The only place to find Christian and islamic happening in such grandeur !
A temple in three periods
The original church on the site of the Hagia Sophia is said to have been ordered to be built by Constantine I in 325 on the foundations of a pagan temple. His son, Constantius II, consecrated it in 360. It was damaged in 404 by a fire that erupted during a riot following the second banishment of St. John Chrysostom, then patriarch of Constantinople. It was rebuilt and enlarged by the Roman emperor Constans I. The restored building was rededicated in 415 by Theodosius II. The church was burned again in the Nika insurrection of January 532, a circumstance that gave Justinian I an opportunity to envision a splendid replacement.The structure now standing is essentially the 6th-century edifice, although an earthquake caused a partial collapse of the dome in 558 (restored 562) and there were two further partial collapses, after which it was rebuilt to a smaller scale and the whole church reinforced from the outside. It was restored again in the mid-14th century. For more than a millennium it was the Cathedral of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. It was looted in 1204 by the Venetians and the Crusaders on the Fourth Crusade. After the Turkish conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Mehmed II had it repurposed as a mosque, with the addition of a wooden minaret (on the exterior, a tower used for the summons to prayer), a great chandelier, a mihrab (niche indicating the direction of Mecca), and a minbar (pulpit). Either he or his son Bayezid II erected the red minaret that stands on the southeast corner of the structure. The original wooden minaret did not survive. Bayezid II erected the narrow white minaret on the northeast side of the mosque. The two identical minarets on the western side were likely commissioned by Selim II or Murad III and built by renowned Ottoman architect Sinan in the 1500s.
Waw it really shows how our ancestors were dedicated to their professions and the great artistic taste they had
it was amazing experience. . .in Hagia sofia. . .nice historicAl plaCe. .lots to learn
Best time to visit is early morning. Queues can get very large so arrive early. The cost is around 40 Turkish lira. You can buy your tickets at the door or via the card payment machine.
Amazing architecture and atmosphere.
A must see place in Istanbul! It is an impressive building. The interior is amaizing, you can discover beautiful icons made with mosaics back in the 09-th century.
You need not read any reviews, just go there already! Take a look by yourself be awed
Absolutely phenomenal. Definitely recommend going here if you're in Istanbul. Beautiful structure with so much history. Skip the line and pay a tour guide. It's really cheap
The most impressive basilica in Istanbul. Take your time and enjoy it.
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 Mas jid (mosques) here in Turkey have a common architectural design, influenced by the Byzantines. Using 3 words to describe this site: aesthetic, unique, and valuable. My favorite parts about praying here (and in other sites) were when the Holy Qur' n would be recited, when the remembrance of All h (God) and His Messenger Mu ammad ( - peace and blessings be upon him) would be mentioned, and when we would all commence a Du' ' (supplication) silently after the recitations. In the morning prayer on Fridays, the Im m (religious leader) would have everyone recite along with him the salutations upon the Messenger Mu ammad ( - peace and blessings be upon him), which I found eminently meditative and serene. Definitely a place worth visiting habitually.
Gorgeous and magnificent architecture. A lot of stories and legend. Come and try it definetly
It is very interesting place, rich in culture and history, however lines are very big.
This place is where magic happens, everyone should see in their lives
Great museum at sultanahmet. Opposite the blue mosque. Please ensure to queue up by 8:30 ish as the que can be extremity long
Greatest icon of Istanbul. Amazing atmosphere with a lot of Christian and Islamic history. Very advantageous that they let us see the upstairs which had an amazing view.
Great History and Great architect
I am so greatful get a chance to see this magical structure and the rich history inside the building. The dome inside is majestic. Turkey is a country full of historic places you can see, but this is the one place you don't want to miss. Go there early to avoid the crowd and take it all.
One of the greatest structures in the world. Hagia Sophia is a great museum! You will discover every corner every inch of this wonderful museum. You should visit the museum early in the morning otherwise you will have to get in a huge line in the square. My recommendation is buy a tourist museum card at the entrance that valids the other famous museums in Turkey for 14 days(please check available places on the website). So you are able to visit other historcial places like Topkapi place Hareem free pass, mosaic museum,Ephesus in Izmir,Hierapolis in Deniz and more!
Must see. The architectural solutions are wonderful and unexplainable.
A meeting of the Islamic and Christian influences in the city. There was much renovation taking place at the time of my visit. That took a bit away from the whole experience but is still one that I would recommend to any one.
One of the better locations to visit in Istanbul, if you have to choose it is much better than the blue mosque or the topkapi palace
what a wonderful place with all their religions tolerances
One the most historic monuments around the world, full of history, evident by the party-visible (Christian) murals. Architecturally is stunning, showcasing the best of the Byzantine era.
The ticket line can get long so plan accordingly. Access with metro line and tram.
Beautiful buildings, here I feel the feeling of 100 years ago
Not too much different from Blue mask. 72tl for that is not fair
Great History showing both Christians and Muslims. The main viewing is in the interior also a resting place for the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire. Entrance is 70 tl.
A beautiful place and a must visit spot whenever you visit Istanbul. The museum has a rich history, it gives a wonderful opportunity to see the islamic calligraphy. Hagia Sophia museum can easily be reached by walk from Sultanahmet square and one can enjoy other beautiful views of sultanahmet fountain, garden and blue mosque. All these are located next to each other.
Breath taking!
touching !
Every one Must witness This at Least once !
Really cool building but a lot of it is currently under construction, would have reconsidered visiting if I had knowb
One of the best museum ever been, the place is very tidy and well maintained, paid 60 lira on entry worth the visit
Stunning. One of the most intriguing buildings I have ever explored.
An exceptional place and a museum. A unique representation of coexistence of two religions.
If you go to Istanbul Visiting Hagia Sophia is a must. Hagia Sophia is essential soul of this adorable city.
Magnificent architecture, and art. Take the time to go to the second level .
One of best church in global, best place for long inner quiet
(Also called Ayasofya) it was a church/ basilica and was transformed into to a mosque and it is now a museum. One of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture, decorated with mosaics and marble pillars from inside. Ticket price is 40 TL and its open from 9 am to 7 pm (summer) and from 9 am to 5 pm (winter). Its a must visit during your stay in Istanbul. Its located near blue mosque(sultanahmed) so you can visit both in the same day.
Here is perfect. If you come Istanbul you must come here
Stunning place which you must visit during visiting Istanbul
It's Hagia Sophia dude! Are you seriously reading reviews!!
Amazing place. Free and worth a visit for half a day or less!
Hagia Sophia was Turkey's most visited tourist attraction. Hagia Sophia is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. Its interior is decorated with mosaics and marble pillars and coverings of great artistic value. The greatest cathedral ever built up to that time, and it was to remain the largest cathedral for 1,000 years up until the completion of the cathedral in Seville in Spain.Wonder of the world.The church was richly decorated with mosaics throughout the centuries. They either depicted the Virgin Mother, Jesus, saints, or emperors and empresses. Other parts were decorated in a purely decorative style with geometric patterns.Because of its long history as both a church and a mosque, a particular challenge arises in the restoration process. A must see.
This Mosk is stunning. Stepped in history and seeing how previous religions have made this their own. It's a must to go upstairs, as the mosaics are jaw dropping.
This is one of the most amazing unforgettable places in the whole world , no matter how many words I right i can not describe it
Amazing building. If you like taking pictures.. Visit it also at night
Beautiful but so busy and crowed. Patience is a must.
