Santa Sofía Reviews

A church turned in to a mosque and now a museum. Christianity and Islam both were part of this building s history, you will be able to see both religions inside this building.

It's really nice placeand I recommend to anyone who is in Istanbul.

Very well preserved! And it s free entrance so no excuses to miss

A beautiful museum. Went with a guide and felt that really enhanced my enjoyment. Pity that parts are hidden by scaffolding and I understand that they have been and will be there for a long time.

Beautiful architecture and stunning surroundings. Gives an idea of how grand the Ottoman Empire was. A tad bit too touristy for my taste though. You can feel 'preferential' treatment (won't call that racism but) amongst the vendors selling petty food stuff outside. For example, the turkish icecream vendor outside the Hagia Sophia, would ask which country and then decide whether to do the trick or not. This had my boys thoroughly disappointed. The icecream guy conveniently mentioned with a smiling face, come back tomorrow (like I have all the time to come back )

Haiga Sophia is a great place that all cultures and religions meet to each other, it is valuable for Christians, Muslims, and for all of those who loves historical monuments. If it is your first time to Istanbul, Haiga Sophia is a must not a choice for you

Great place to visit. Unfortunately, part of it is under renovation.

The most beautiful building I ve seen in Istanbul!! No wonder why it survived

The former Greek orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral, later an Ottoman imperial mosque and now a museum built in 537 AD. It was famous for its massive dome. Hagia Sofia is one of the most visited tourist places in Turkey.

Here the west & east, also the Christianity with Islam just mix together, uniq experience you should have it, unless you never had any place over

One of the best museum in the world. Located in the center of Istanbul and easily accessible by tram and metro. Take care that if you approach by taxi you need to walk as well because there are only pedestrians roads .
The famous Hagia Sophia is an enormous and marvelous orthodox church with centuries of history. Don't forget to visit it.
Recommended the fast track tickets specialty from online.

Although the Blue Mosque seemed like the more famous attraction to me, this was definitely the better visit out of the two. An amazing history is preserved in this building and well kept for visitors to see.

Under renovations... The place is amazing but that information, which is important is not listed anywhere.

Hagia Sophia is one of the best place in the World.
Unbelievable islamic architecture & calligraphy.
Turkish government secured & preserved it since centuries.
Must visit place.!

A stunning and historic place that's definitely worth the entrance fee and guided tour.

Amazing place, jaw dropping inside. Worth the whole trip.

Rich with historic and architectural details demonstrate an iconic history

What an incredible structure. Make sure you arrive early, the museum opens at nine, by 8:50 there was about a 20-25 minute wait on a Saturday. We definitely didn t expect such an early crowd. Worth the wait though, it s amazing regardless of your interest in history.

one of the most beautiful place in Istanbul ... in HAGIA SOFIA you see the the confluence of religions in one place

Although renovation works were being conducted, the place was still enchanting

Great architecture and truly a time travelling into the beautiful history.

Love it... Its so soothing in a different way.... Like you transition to another place...

I was very impressed by this mosque and the history behind it

Magical marvel and a must visit if in Istanbul. Entry is 40 Turkish lira

Stunning demonstartion of early Christian/Ottoman architechture and decoration. Be sure to get have a guide (you can pick up audio guides aften youve entered the area for around 30 TRY.) to make the most of it.

I've visited the Sultanahmet square quite a few times, but visited the museum for the first time with my wife. Although several columns were under restoration, the history and beauty is overwhelming.

A must see in Istanbul, the mixture of two different architecture, a real wonder to behold.

Step back in time in this truly spectacular museum that was once a church and a mosque. Must see in Istanbul. Recommend hiring a tour guide at the entrance, as they will give you lots of information and you can skip the line with them. It's worth the 300 lira to get a guide.

Good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good, very nice place, everyone need to see this, entry is 15 , i reccomended to everyone... tou can take very nice pictures here :)
U have easy transit to come here, intresting is that you can see two coultures, two faiths..
Preporu ujem svima ovo mesto, vredi posetiti!!!
See you

Absolutely stunning. A building with an amazing history and an absolute majesty.

I gave it 2 stars, in fact its fabulous and very beautiful,because they took us 72lir for intery!!!!!and its unfair

Very beautiful, one of the best museums in Istanbul.

The infrastructure is beautiful and every little piece of brick has a history. Definitely the crown of the istanbul tourism.

No words can describe it.
Magestic.
Breath taking.
Marvel.
Outstanding.
Just no words can describe it.

Turks will NEVER be authoctones in Constandinople
Barbars does not deserve European Land

One of the most magical places I've ever visited. Ever.

What a beautiful space. The building is the museum and it's beautiful.

Beautiful place to spend time and learn. Have one of the authorized tour guides you will skip the line , have a narrate explained timeline of the building costructions stages and occupancy. But most important skip line and they will answer every question in english ofcourse. For about 30 dollars. In my case we where 3 persons.

Historical place. But there is alot of wild dogs nearby the place and between the tourists that scares everyone

The place is under renovation. However it is a must see. It is a beautiful building and amazing architecture. An interesting mix of Christian and Islamic culture.

If you go to Istanbul, you should visit Hagia Sophia, its beautiful, but only if you got thet early, we went there at 9 AM, there was not much people, we really enjoyed our time here. I recommend Barbera hotel, it's very nice and near to all historical sites in Istanbul.

Amazing and huge. Don't leave Istanbul without visiting.

Worth it. Gorgeous mosaics, a lot of history. If you're into religion it should be on your bucket list!

I have always wanted to visit the Hagia Sophia since being a child. In the past few days I have visited and I must say that it is an awesome structure.
It is 1550 years old and contains the most beautiful spaces. If you are able, do climb the ramps to the next floor and marvel at the domes and the priceless mosaics. You get a real sense of history and power from this basilica.
I would suggest that you get there before 11am as the tours start to arrive then and the place gets very busy. If you intend to visit lots of attractions in a few days, it is well worth getting the Istanbul Pass.

An experience one should not avoid, and have 'must do'as a part of their bucket list

Amazing holy house with lot s of sceneries
Just love this place

Amazing place that will never leave you indifferent. I understand why ancient people were impressed by this monumental beauty and greatness...

I had a local guide who showed me around just wow, definitively a top place to visit. Parking your car is a main issue, its better to park near by a ride with a taxi.

A great place to go. History of Hagia Sophia is interesting. Love this place. You can go to upper level via twisted ramp. Kindly take a lot of pictures. You can buy a museum pass (in Euro currency) if you plan to go to other museums as it will save you a lot.

Beautiful structure dating back to Byzantine empire. The architecture is amazing and when you learn about the history of when it was first built it is inspirational.

Brilliant and inspiring. We went on a Monday and it was open. The Google opening hours are incorrect - perhaps fortunately as it was really quiet and queues were minimal. Loved it!

The history is there ....place you can find how Muslims are so peaceful because you can find name of ALLAH next to merry painting at the wall ..

It's a very different kind of museum in that there is not exactly a lot of artefacts to see compared to some museums in say Italy. However to appreciate the magnitude and history is something else and must be seen to be appreciated. It is a little run down and not really maintained, little security inside so tourists kind of do whatever they want.

A must see and visit place. This place used to be a church and was converted to become a mosque.
Very nice architecture and beautiful building. Well maintained and very much visited by all tourists.

This place is breathtaking. I have been to many sights in many countries in the world, but this beautiful museum cannot be compared to anywhere else.
It is the meeting and visualization of cultures and religions from past to present time. Such a wonderful place with beautiful leftovers kept from history.
This place is - unequivocally- a must-see sight that you have to visit in your life!!!!

Amazing place... Combines the history of Islamic and Christian culture

Istanbul experience and visit to Hagia Sophia one of the best.

One of the must visit places in Istanbul. Stunning and charming place.. Fool of history..
If you have Muse Kart you don't need to wait long queue, otherwise I recommend you to go early as you might need to wait long to get a ticket..

A must see place with many historical motives to discover. It is easy to enter with muzecard. There is also auto ticket machine that works with card, so no need to wait in the queue for ticket.

Well worth visiting this Orthodox church turned mosque, and now museum. Dark but beautiful inside (don't forget to go up a floor). Also, don't forget to put your thumb in the thumb hole in the Wishing Column, for healing purposes, as legend has it (you will see a bit of a line, waiting to do this).
For a tasty refreshment, try some cherry juice drink, right outside the entry area.

Really beautiful from the outside and outstanding on the inside. Currently undergoing restoration so there is a lot of scaffolding on the inside but still a marvel to see. The architecture, mosaics and art are all incredible.
Arrive early to avoid the really long cues. Entrance is 40tl. There are some guides offering fast track entry and a private guided tour. The line moved quite quick and once inside it did not feel over crowded.

The Hagia Sophia is a must see for any worldly travellers.
The architecture, art, history and the varied use of this place makes it a significant part of world history.