Santa Sofía Reviews

One of most interesting place in the World. Visiting this place is quite must. Giving 4 stars because 1/3 is under construction

A great example of a building lasting for the ages. It was great to see examples of both Byzantine and Ottoman history within the former church and mosque.
The museum was undergoing some renovations, but that didn't lessen the enjoyment and beauty of the place for me.
I especially enjoyed the Christian mosaics from the Byzantine times being displayed alongside the Islamic decorations from the Ottoman times. This, more than anything, showed me the importance that this magnificent building has had for centuries upon centuries.

Do not miss this one! Hopefully, restaurations will soon be finished tho!

I would definitely get a tour guide here. There's a lot of history that you would not know just by going to the museum. There's so much history here.

What beautiful history. Its massive and a great must see.

Steeped in history... An extremely beautiful amalgamation of ancient Pagan, Christian and Islamic art and architecture.. a must see when in Istanbul..

Outside/inside both amazing. Historical,religion,art,architecture, 5star in every field..

Very rich history to this museum. A must visit for everyone visiting Istanbul. Definitely hire a guide to get in depth knowledge of the history behind this place

It's the truth man! the building is very fascinating ! Th3 fact that it served as a church before ottoman empire and after served as a mosques is incredible !

Nice place, historical building from ottoman emperor.

This more than one and half Millennia old testament to Man's endeavour to offer gratitude to God is a living and breathing example of Human love of the same.
It does not which faith which faith you follow or not. It is indeed a sight to behold though one isn't capable to beholding it in one sight.
The view from outside never prepares you for the scale of grandiose one lays eyes open once inside.
Everything so imposing and such labour of love. A true work of love and art.
The mosaics and frescos flowing with love and emotions, the entire spectrum of them from pity, seeking approval to jealousy and beyond are displayed with perfection.
The main hall leaves one dumb founded by its scale and to consider it made 1400 years ago is just spectacular.
It has seen so many empires and rulers fade away yet it's columns stand tall some of which predate even Christianity going back to Hellenistic times.
It is highly recommended to go prepared with a bit of background reading and then relate to enhance the experience.

The former Greek Orthodox Christian Patriarchal Cathedral during the Byzantine Empire before the Ottoman invasion.
Famous with its massive dome and known as an engineering marvel of it's time.

Looked nice from the outside but having it s parts under construction surely spoiled the view.

One to see before kicking the bucket. So powerful historic site. My only advise is to skip the audio guide as very expensive and not that helpful.

It is rich in History, a must visit!

It was a long Queue but worth it! If you dont have Museum Pass or Fast Track Pass or do not want a tour guide; BUT you are going to pay with debit/credit card, you can jump the Queue and go straight to Ticketing Machine as it only accepts card. You then save 10-20 minutes waiting time over a Queue for cash payment.

Spend as much time as you can here and see the two religion in one building, walk up to the next level and see the view and more interesting facts.

I would advice spend at least 2 hours here for the full tour

Beautiful place loaded with thousands of years of history

Reputation better than the real feel. The Christian signs and markings are almost completely gone

Great great historical building, Sophia was a magnificent piece that standout among many others because of its nature of uniqueness.

I have been there couple years ago I have never seen fascinating place as like this go and visit there in your short life !!!

Really briliant place almost 1500 years of history. I cannot imagine how they build this enormous, beautiful and spectacular building fifteen century ago. Absolutelly stunning place. Must see at least once in a lifetime.

Under construction on the inside, but still a cool experience and worth the wait in line.

What an amazing and delicate piece of history, there will restorations happening somewhere in Sophia no matter what day you go in so expect to see a big chunk of scaffolding on at least one half of the ex church/mosque. You will be amazed by the size of the place and if your lucky enough to be inside of it during a call to prayer it's an experience to not miss!

This is my favorite historical site in Istanbul. There is a hole in the wall that you place your thumb in and make a circular motion as you make a wish and I like stuff like that. Entrance is 75 TL ($13.23 USD) and I think that is insane.

There is a carpet museum at the entrance . Nice palace.

One of the most thrilling and fabulous places which has world seen.

So much rich history. Lines sucked. People like to cut. But worth the wait.

A beautiful structure from the history books that still stands today. One of the must-visit places in Istanbul. It's a massive building with an upper level which you can access to view it from the above. The line can be very long in peak seasons. I suggest getting a museum pass or if you have extra cash get a guided tour as they have a special lane which is shorter.

Beautiful, both the building and the history. Some side of the building being renovated now but you can still enjoy the beauty of this museum..

The museum has a long history, from church, mousque and museum. The wall is very unique, with christian scene and moslem written. The building is very old from Roman era, Byzantium, Moslem. A must place to go in Istanbul.

A great place or musium to visit where you can see the Muslims and Chritians's history in the very same place!

Very historic and recommended place to visit. Take tour guide is better if you are first time here

Historically important a unique place where we can see the alters of the two biggest religion side by side

Very well preserved, a must see building for anybody who is visiting Istanbul

The place cost 40 lira compared to Blue mosque which is free and much nicer

Breathtaking. One of the most impressive buildings I ve seen.
Buy your tickets online if you don t have a museum pass. This might help getting faster inside.

Hugely disappointing. Access is now heavily limited. You cannot go upstairs. The flooring is now covered in cheap carpet. I look at the old photos posted by visitors and can only be saddened. There are no displays. It is virtually impossible to see the shared heritage of this place as they have draped things everywhere (particularly over the old Christian artwork). It is no wonder UNESCO are angry / saddened by the conversion.

There was construction going on, however the overall experience was good. The way to the upper floor is preserved in very old way which was good to see.

It's an architectural marvel for all mankind to see and admire!

Amazing. Nice mosaics inside. Lots of history. Definitely recommend to visit

We visited Hagia Sophia a few years ago. This magnificent building was first a church, later a mosque, and now is a museum at Istanbul, Turkish Republic. It is really an architectural jewel and an important historical and religious monument. Hagia Sophia is a must see in Istanbul.

It's okay, if you get the audio guide I'm sure it's fine. As of 14 November 2018 there is a mass of scaffolding inside and major renovations that no one tells you about before you pay to go in. Hence the 3 stars.

If u are an ortodox, this will seems for u a little bit strange. A church transformed in moschee after Byzantine empire was conquered by Ottomans. But the architecture is fantastic. Avoid long queues at entry by coming either in the morning, either by buying a fast lane access. Standard price in March 2019 -60try.

If you simply love the history of mindkind, visit to this site is a must!

i loved the history this place went through from being a church to a mosque to a museum and the details and the design of this place is fascinating and enchanting and the drawings on the celling and the walls are very religiously artistic.

You must visit it. Apart of being a marvelous building full of mistic spirit, it gives you a chance to understand what it takes to maintain and research medieval history and architect.

Is a Christian church originally. However converted to Islam mosque after Turkish take over. Renovation work is on going as at June 2019.

Lots church original deco already being covered by mosque deco. And belief that work to recovered original church deco is on going.

Hagia Sophia Museum (aka Aya Sophia or the Holy Light ) is an important spot in Istanbul not to miss. This piece of art built in the 15th century is a must see. A unique blend of Islam & Christianity is amazingly glowing in the architecture of this old building. It s recommended to have a local tour guide for; ease of access (avoiding the long queues) and the history of the place. It s right next to The Blue Mosque.

The Hagia Sophia Museum was really magnificent, but it was a pity it was undergoing renovation when I visited. The scaffolding for the renovation ruined the true beauty of the Hagia Sophia Museum .

Great Religious Place For Tourist, Good Place For Tourist Who Wants To Learn About The Ottoman Empire History.

A huge church which became a mosque by Ottoman caliphs.
You can see symbols of Islam and Christianity together and I think it is really impressing. Paintings will definitely catch your eyes and lots of history are behind them.
highly recommended!!!

Cool to see, make sure you go early just after it opens so you miss the big tour bus crowds.

Piece of history, you don t really need a guide here if you can read a little bit yourself. However the ticket is a bit expensive for the fast track, stay away from unauthorized ticket sellers outside the entrance. The audio guide inside at 45 Lira with an already expensive ticket is like robbery.

Keep aside at least 2-3 hours for looking around this place. It s definitely worth a visit.

A cultural monument of such historic importance that it cannot be missed!

Really worth visiting ... an architectural wonder of Turkey

Very much worth a visit. Read up on your history before visiting!

Wonderful mosque/church..where the 2 religion's icons co-exist

The history and the atmosphere as a whole is a whole different experience.