Historical SitesIstanbul
Hagia Sophia
A magnificent 1,500-year-old monument
Image credit: Adli Wahid, CC BY-SA 3.0
About
Witness to empires, Hagia Sophia has enchanted visitors for centuries with its architectural genius. It holds a unique cultural heritage stretching from Byzantine mosaics to Ottoman calligraphy.
History
Built as a church in 537 by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. It was converted into a mosque in 1453, became a museum in 1935, and reopened for worship in 2020.
Visiting Tips
- ✓Avoid the crowds in the early morning
- ✓Go up to the upper gallery to see the mosaics
- ✓Visit together with the neighbouring Blue Mosque
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hagia Sophia?
Hagia Sophia is located at Sultanahmet, Fatih, İstanbul in Istanbul.
When is the best time to visit Hagia Sophia?
Recommended time: Spring and autumn mornings.
