Santa Sofía Reviews

Renovations are going on, re construction like old one. Very huge construction long back.

Beautiful blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture and art. 97 metre high dome winding alley to reach the topmost gallery .. well preserved and informative boards

Hagia Sophia museum is the museum that is at the center of Istanbul. A key part of the tourist attractions of the city and of the country of Istanbul. Istanbul itself is a relic of the old world and you can see this in the reflection of the key exhibits of the museum. Truly a walk through time and a walk through the magnificent history that has taken place in Istanbul. Which itself is at a key point of geography.

A breathtaking place, a piece of art. This is the place that I go to whenever I go to Istanbul.

An incredible and historic landmark of my faith. The mosaics are beautiful.

Very beautiful, we had managed to catch ourselves a tour guide, he was very I'm formative of the history and art in the museum. The museum was very extensive and had a lot of spectacular murals and art around. The cut marble was also very beautiful.

Not worth the cost of going in. Calling it a museum is a stretch as there's not really anything in particular to see inside. Yes, it's big and old and famous and extravagant but to me it just wasn't worth the time queueing and the cost of the ticket. Bear in mind also that I visited in October, there was a lot of renovation work inside so half of the interior was covered.

Its very historical building with rich of story and legendary

Personally speaking I don't like museums but world really liked it

Amazing History. You need a guide and few Hours to understand and appreciate the facts and architecture.

One of the oldest building but ticket is too much 40 .
t's more beautiful from outside than inside.

Wow history everywhere. Got a chance to see the upper mall. A must see of Istanbul.

Such a lovely historical place with great architectural building

I don t think you need to add words to describe this beauty architecture museum.
A must visit when you are in Turkey and especially for those who want to take really amazing pictures.

This building was once a church converted in to mosque. Now is a museum.

Must see immense space. Don't miss upstairs. Beautiful facade.

Hagia Sophia represents d beauty of combining two religions in one place

I think it is overrated, I didn t like it because of the long lines to buy the tickets and every crowded place.

Nice area
Clean access
Inside super clean
Rare collection
Ideal for taking pictures
Romantic especially when it rains

A dream. The building that brought me to Istanbul for the first time. Line moves fast. Make sure to go to the second floor gallery. Read up on the place first and don t take a guide - easier to wander around in amazement.

This stunning place is good to visit at anytime of the year. Just walk stop and admire

Maybe the most beautiful mosque in Istanbul (to my opinion at least). It is for sure a place you must visit if you're passing by the city.

Admire the old architecture, but the strange thing is the remodeling during the ages

An impressive building, now a museum after its origins as a church, then converted to a mosque after the conquest of Istanbul. There is a lot to know and see so rent (Tl 30) an audio-guide or hire an official guide ( name tag IDs). There is a film on the mosque and its history and architecture on the left of the entrance that is worth watching before you walk around. There is an upstairs level which you must visit to see the remains of the amazing Christian mosaics. ( no flash photos). The interior is undergoing extensive, much needed, restoration so a lot of scaffolding obstructs some sections, but does not detract from the interest.

One of a kind historical place that tells a lot of the story of Bezantine and Ottoman empires. A tour with a guide is more explanatory and fruitful

One of, if not my favorite spot in Istanbul! An absolute masterpiece rich in history.

This structure has been converted from a Greek orthodox church to Muslim mosque to a museum that we see today. It displays beautiful contemporary artwork from two of the world's largest religions. Definitely a place where you would want to spend couple of hours: 2 at the least.

It is advisable to visit the upper gallery first when you enter, because it closes before the main hall.

One of the most beautiful historical building you will ever visit. Has Jewish, Christian, and Islamic references in the structure and decorations. Must visit when in Istanbul.

Has alot of history to it and please pay for a guide you get so much historical lessons from them...

Great mosaics and lots of Byzantine and Ottoman history can be seen at this site

Very nice place. It's neither mosque nor church. It's a museum. So, you can see both religions there. Christian drawings on the walls and Muslim minarets. Worth to see it. Nice to see both religions in same place despite It's just a museum. More

Great building. Good wonder around. Skip the queue with the Museum Pass bought somewhere else.

Humbling in its sheer size and age. What an amazing building

Hagia sofia.. Temple, church, mosque become 1 place

Such a unique place. Would recommend early morning as it s tourist central and can be frustrating with all the people walking around with no common sense.

Well worth it. Don't forget to go upstairs. Note that in Aug. '17 there is significant scaffolding under the dome.

The combination between Islamic and Christian civilization marks is so interesting

very beautiful place to visit!!!! there will be lots of local guides in front of it. Price may vary. But we had a good experience with our guide who is fun and good at presenting this lovely historical place.

Dont miss this place in your visit come in day also night looking so perfect just wow wonderful

Gorgeous! A wonderful museum of art and religion. Make sure to go to the upper floor for a better view.

Walk through history and experience a beautiful building

Lots of construction. Better to get there early as it gets crowded.

Not really a museum.. just a lovely building to look at. There were large queue around mid-day and it was crowded.

The museum is an interesting sight, offering a glimpse of how a mosque that was converted from a church retained the original Christian murals and put up the needs of the mosque around it. However, it was poorly maintained over the years and is just undergoing extensive renovation. During the renovation, you can't see the full museum but is still charged the same rate, and still have to pay the ridiculous express charge.

The former Mezquita (More than 450 years) and Basilica (more than 900 years) is now a wonderful building and museum. Was the tallest and largest building for centuries. When Catholic it may had been magnificent. Unfortunately the Ottoman removed the Catholic objects to replace them with Muslim boards that look cheap and don't fit right for the building. It is a must visit when in Istanbul, no matter what religion you follow.

I can understand why this place is overrated so much, but trust me if you've ever been to Shiraz and Isfahan, you know Hagia Sophia is just a regular Mosque. So all and all I can't justify paying 60 Liras to visit this place.

A must see in Istanbul - an ex-Christian church, then a mosque, and a museum nowadays. Gets quite crowded as is one of the most popular places of interest in Istanbul.

It was amazing experience, such bulding from Byzantine world BC 11 th century mixed with muslim history after sultan mehmed II in 1453

A great historical place adjacent to topkapi palace and blue mosque

It was amazing. To watch. Too many rules to observe, and too many route restrictions but the place is amazing.

Umm ok i expected it to be much more maintained ... but its not ... a lot of construction work is still going on ... although the vibes of the place is nice .

An ancient historical place where tourist love to visit.

Hagis sophia museum is great and old architectural place. Have been converted between mosque and church for 3 times and is now a mueseum. You find both islamic and christiian heritage, architecture in the building and inside the museum. Its a must visit in istanbul.

Old sacred place (for both Christians and Muslims). Must see in Istanbul

Must see, an absolutely incredible piece of history. Consider that parts of it have been around for more than a thousand years....

It was always been my dream to visit hagia sophia. Finally dream comes true, beautiful place indeed, knowing the history of this museum. Be careful of scammer around the sultanahmet area