Santa Sofía Reviews

stanbul is very important place in the world.The city is spread over an area of 7.500 km2 150 km long and 50 km wide.Istanbul became the biggest and the most crowded city of Europe.Because, ts location between Asia and Europe, the city always had a great geopolitical importance.the city population is estimate 12 to15 millions.

Around 2 millions tourists visit stanbul every year.They are see the historical and natural beauties of the city. The city has a lots of historical mosque,church and museums of Turkey.





THE TAKSIM SQUARE

he large square at the end of the Ist klal street is the Taksim square, which is one of the most active centers of stanbul.The square is the most important for Istanbul.There are a lot of different counturies people.There are a lot of big department store this place is really beatiful.



The project preparations were started in1950.The bridge building started in 1970.It was completed on 29 October 1973.

It was built by German and England engineers.Thirty five engineers and four hundred Turkish workers were employed during the construstion.Its cost was $25 millions.The height of the bridge from sea is 64 m.



THE FAT H SULTAN MEHMET BRIDGE

The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge was built between 1985 and 1988 the opening date was at the save time the 535th anniversary of the Otoman conquest of the city.





THE LEANDROS TOWER



One day a witch has got apples for the girl and gave her a poisana us apple, she did after eating it.That is why the tower is called the Leandros Tower

THE GALATA TOWER

This tower at the slopes of Galata is visible every where in the city, and is 61 m. tall.The tower is at the hill which over looks both to the Bospherus and the Golden Horn and the sea of Marmara.



THE FORTRESS

It was constructed with the order of Y ld r m Beyaz d in 1393, during one of the sicges of stanbul.It is opposite to the Rumeli

Hisar .In the previous period there was a Christian Church at the same place.



There are a lots of pashas villas.These are the Bahriyeli Sedat Bey Villa, the Zarif Mustafa Pahsa Villa, constructed in the 19 th century; the Ya c Sefik Bey Villa, constructed in 1905 and the Hasan Pahsa Villa.

I have learned a lot about this magnificent, marvelous, beautiful and majestic architecture since I watch sultan Suleman TV series. I sham myself that why I didn't visit this masterpiece of historical place. Finally I did visit my dream place and I cannot express how much beautiful this place is. I was stunned while standing in front of the hagia Sophia and I could not believe my eyes. If you love history then you must come and visit this one and only mesmerizing beauty of turkish architectural building. People's from all over the world often visited this place just for seeing its beautifully designed and elegant looks.

Has to be done...a most beautiful museum, free to roam or have a guide. Amazing with the numerous visitors how quiet it seems. A great documentary will enlighten on the history of the majestic building

Beautiful! First church and then mosque now it's museum. To avoid long Q u must go there early.

Really nice place, beautiful place, full of history.

The place is very crowded, long lines of waiting, but the it's huge on the inside. There's a maintenance going on inside some areas are closed.
All in the it's a must.

One of the tourist site in Turkey, must visit to see the Hagia Sophia Museum and the Blue Mosque near it

It s great, but now they are renovating one part of Hagia Sofia...

Really nice place ti visit. Just beware of the fact that main hall is under construction and there is scaffolding. Also drinks like water or juice are super expensive there (10x normal)

Hagia sophia museum is an amazing building that used to be a church and then turned into a mosque and finally became a museum. It has an amazing architecture style because of the modifications made during changing it to a mosque. You can see both Christian and Islamic influence at the same time. It is definitely a must see when you are in Istanbul.

Fascinating and amazing. Definitely a must not miss

Spectacular. The peaceful mix and preservation of so many religions and cultures in one building. We are lucky to have it.
The guided tours are expensive, but interesting.
For me the best part was seeing the viking graffiti, made about my family ancestors.
Worth a look is of course the tombs. You have to go out and around the building to enter. It is free.
The only reason not to give it full 5, 0 points is that the guards wouldn't let us go back to the toilets after we had literally just passed the exit point.

Church converted into mosque. It's a museum now and part of heritage.

A magnificent place indeed. The greatness of building, the color of the stones and the reflection of historical stations which anyone can get awarded of.

Beautifully preserved. The rich history is evident everywhere. The place was wonderfully lighted by low lying chandeliers.

The Hagia Sophia is a must visit on an Istanbul trip. Once inside, the size and scale tells a lot on how this structure had its influence on this historical city across time to this day. Lots of tourists so better to plan as there are long queues at the entrance.

It was a fun place, very clean too. Like really clean actually almost too clean for a museum. I saw this dude yell "its another me!!!!" before almost running into a wall with his reflection

There is no way that you would miss this place if you are in Istanbul and near yet Blue Mosque. This is another place not to be missed.

Its a nice tourist place because it shows you the history and religions.

Historical places first you must read about this place and then visit it would be great experience.

A very interesting place shame it was under renovation so certain areas inside were covered. The ticket queue was quite lengthy so either get there early or find a guide (hanging around wearing a red jacket) to get a ticket and maybe let you jump the queue. They may offer a personal guide service but can cost 150LT or pay 30LT for an audio guide but you ll need to leave a form of ID with them. Your bags will need to go through the X-ray machine upon entry of this attraction.
There are other mosques and sight seeing places opposite or very nearby within walking distance. Plus plenty of entries in the area.

Historic building with its majesty architecture. A smooth blend between Christianity and Islam where all have been reserved and respected

I might be biased but I had tears walking in. It is so grand and beautiful. This is probably the only place where you can see Mary and Jesus with Allah and Muhammad. It is having renovation work nowadays but there is still lots of beauty to take in.

Amazing place to check , the tourists are so well maintained with decorum good for family and kids

Nice place but I believe ticket value is over rated, there's much better places to visit and not even pay this amount. n my belief Fateh Mosque is better that it.

Love it. Can't wait to visit again... amazingly peaceful must go

It s a must visit touristic place.... this is the famous church that turned into a mosque many years ago... you can see both religion inside!

I recommend that you visit it prior to the sunset, so you can enjoy a magical scenery.

If U are in Stambul, U should visit Hagia Sofia for sure it should be for everyone on bucket list

One of the greatest momunents in Istanbul that reflects the interesting history of the city

It's a truly iconic place, wreathed in history, intrigue and an amazing architecture. The mosaics are simply breathtaking.

Amazing architecture,a mix of christianity and islam..

Wonderful historic place to visit, very beautiful parks around and don't miss to eat famous Istanbul Kofta nearby

I did not get a chance to see it from the inside.. But from the outside it is magnificent

Beautiful place.. Great architecture.. It was wonderful to be there..

A very grand building and more impressively is the magnificant interior, largely followed the 19th century renovation by the Swiss architect brothers. Very photogenic. It gets growded towards noon so better come early in the morning to beat the crowd. No dress code/requirement as it is not an active mosque. As of 2018 early Sept there is some construction works going on inside the museum which limits the area to photograph.

Made me feel sad.. It used to be a glorious Church. They ruined it!

Where else in the world can you see, Alah, Muhamed ani Jesus side by side?

This Museum is one of the most well known and the most visited museum in the world. It is very difficult to describe the experience you have when visiting this magnificent place. The walls are very high with beautiful chandeliers all over the place. Their are beautiful mosaic pictures against the walls. You can also climb a lot of stairs to view the Hagia Sofia from above. This Museum was a church for 916 years the converted to a mosque and then to a museum. This place is rich in history and well worth a visit. Remember to go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.

Wonderful. Better than I imagined. Get here early to beat the crowds.

An awesome building with an equally awesome history. There's something to marvel at around every corner. Not to be missed. Try to visit in your own time and not with a tour group. Having the extra time to yourself to wander is the way to go.

Must be seen fantastic museum , which is part of the history and Witness of history...

It was a pretty nice experience there. Although they were renewing it, but still you could see almost everything.

A Roman Catholic Church turned mosque then returned back. Great Roman Catholic structure dates back from 6th century.

Stunning landmark of civilization. The entire area of the Sultanahmet Square is simply gorgeous on a sunny day, and you can hang out here for an hour just to enjoy the sights and vibrant atmosphere.

Imponent building, a testomony to the Byzantine past and a shame it need much love and care to restaure it to its full glory.

dont forget to eat at sultanahmet koftecisi after visiting great hagia sophia

all the history of turkey under one shade. magnificent place...

Part of it is still 'under construction' but it's magnificent... I can't help feeling sorry for the catholic world's loss in 1453.....

Definitely worths visiting, the tickets are around 11 dollars per person but the value and history are pricless.

Best place, good ambience. Hope can go back to that place again

The miracle Geometry
1500 years when it was built.
Historical. Design Genius

I will do my best but frankly words can't begin to describe the immense beauty the Hagia Sophia has. I have been here several times several years in a row. The place brings utter peace. It is absolutely mindblowing. The architecture of this once orthodox basilica, then mosque and now museum is amazing. When visiting take the time to take it all in. Look around although they have been under construction for a few years maintaining the stunning structure. Climb to the top along the sloped walk ways. Stand in the center and just be engulfed. Know that all the medallions around stand for Allah, Muhammad, Islam s first four caliphs, and Muhammad s two grandsons. As Muslims didn't deface the once orthodox christian mosaics where you'll see imagery of Jesus and the Virgen Mary. I know this is silly but I absolutely enjoy running into the cat that resides here. His name is Gli and he's a round faced cutie with crossed eyes who lurks around and spectates the spectators. If he deems you worthy you may get to pet him and tummy rub. I play with this kitty every time. He seems like the guardian of the museum. Enjoy!

Hagia Sophia Museum is one of the largest cathedral in the world. Amazing architecture. Located in Sultanahmet.

Clean, well kept museum but is a shame how much Christian iconography has been removed since the Mosque/Church takeover by the Ottoman Empire

Must to see when you are in Istanbul. It is really breath taking.

Currently under renovation/reconstruction/restoration with heavy scaffolding in the middle and in some areas up stairs.
That said it is one fine piece of work.
Lower and upper levels amazing effort to make it such a respected place.

Wow, amazing, historic and beautiful. This is a place where religions and cultures have come together. There is a short wait to get in but well worth it. The museum is under renovation but that does not take away the enormity of the site and it's history. The wonderful Islamic art intermingled with the Christian church windows and art. Truly amazing, only in Turkey.

Tons of history and culture changes witnessed by this place

Great. Entrance is 40 TL (about 12 euros). You can walk on your own.

Amazing, the mix between Christianity & Islam here is such an awesome thing, you could feel how old an special this place is

You'll get loss in deep thinking after seeing this place, then all you can do is smile...

This one is originally a church, and then in ostmani it became a mosque, now it is a museum. Beautiful building with so many caligraphy, i'll post the picture later

Oldest structure I have seen. Such a wonderful feeling.

An interesting place to see which was once church and then mosque. Rich in religious stuff.

Christian and Islamic influences. Currently being restored but still open to the public.