Hagia Sophia

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Hagia Sophia attractions guide: Things to Do in Istanbul, Turkey

Hagia Sophia

This magnificent Byzantine church turned Ottoman mosque was made a museum in 1935 by Kemal Ataturk, the father of the Turkish Republic. It's one of Istanbul's proudest icons.
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Top sights in Istanbul

Bosphorus Strait

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Hagia Sophia

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Topkapi Palace

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Bosphorus Bridge

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Sultanahmet District

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Sirkeci

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Sultan Ahmed Mosque

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Basilica Cistern

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4 historical facts about the Hagia Sophia

This great Byzantine church turned Ottoman mosque was made a historical center in 1935 by Kemal Ataturk, the dad of the Turkish Republic. It’s perhaps the proudest symbol, so here are four things that molded this exhibit of Christian and Islamic Empires.

hagia sophia

As a site of worship, it predates history
The fabulous church was changed over to a mosque after the Ottoman triumph in 1453. In any case, the site has additionally been home to two past houses of worship and a Pagan sanctuary!

Hagia Sophia

It was built to eclipse the Temple of Solomon
Justinian I stressed the broadness of his Empire to have the Hagia Sophia inherent 537. On its finishing, he’s said to have gladly gloated, “Gracious Solomon, I have outperformed thee!”

hagia sophia

Many of its treasures are in Venice
Not making it to Jerusalem, the Venetian-drove Fourth Crusaders rather took Constantinople. Holy person Mark’s Basilica in Venice actually houses huge numbers of the riches!

hagia sophia

It’s taken one hell of a beating!
Just as being sacked in the Fourth Crusade, the Hagia Sophia’s hefty arch has imploded a few times because of quakes. It wasn’t totally settled until 1859!

Insider tips

What are the opening times?

You can visit the Hagia Sophia between the long periods of 9:00 AM and 7:00PM from April fifteenth to September 31st, and somewhere in the range of 9:00 AM and 5:00PM from October first to April fourteenth. It is shut at the beginning of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha. Book tickets ahead of time to dodge the lines!

How to get there?

The Hagia Sophia is only a short stroll from the Sultanahment metro and cable car stops. Near a considerable lot of Istanbul’s notable attractions, it’s likewise secured on most city strolling visits!

Good to know

When should I visit?

9:00AM to 5:00PM in the winter, 9:00AM to 7:00PM in the summer. Check holiday schedules to avoid closures.

How to get there

Take the metro or tram to the Sultanahment stop.

Is it expensive?

The ticket price is 30 TRY, which is roughly $11.

Will I need a guide?

It will help. May be justified, despite any trouble to look at our smash hit visits.

What people are saying about Hagia Sophia

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent, engaging and educational tour
Life was an amazing aide! Well disposed of, supportive, and inconceivably educated of Turkish history. In addition to the fact that she gave us loads of data on all the lovely locales we visited however she likewise educated us concerning present-day Turkey giving us an incredible image of how Turkey has become in the course of recent years or somewhere in the vicinity. Strongly suggest this visit. It was additionally truly pleasant having such a little gathering (me, my significant other and Latife!).

Istanbul: Full-Day Private Old City Tour with Lunch reviewed by Christopher

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An amazing experience, extremely well organized, worth every penny.
I don’t have the foggiest idea where to begin! Everything was amazingly efficient. Everybody was extremely obliging, consistently on schedule and charming to be with. The neighborhood guides were entirely proficient (and I am a workmanship history specialist), cordial, obliging, real. I am a lady in her 60s, I travel solo and never felt desolate or frightened. I met superb individuals who had similar visits. I was unable to suggest this visit enough. A stunning social and human experience.

Turkey: 7-Nights Tour of 5 Cities Starting from Istanbul reviewed by Suzanne

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide, wonderful trip!
Phenomenal! My guide was proficient, energetic and fascinating to tune in to. He took us to all the fascinating spots and filled us with regards to with the significant history. Obviously better than seeing it all alone. We went to the Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia. He was additionally kind enough to see us onto the transport returning to the air terminal once it was finished.

Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour reviewed by Lindsay

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Beautiful day and a beautiful lunch with a small group
This visit was phenomenal, I had such a decent time. I was excited to discover there were just five of us on the visit and it was an extraordinary harmony among structure and the opportunity to investigate the mosques. The lunch was heavenly and we had a lot of time to investigate the Grand Bazaar in the early evening. Enthusiastically suggested.

Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque Small Group Tour reviewed by Carli

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Hagia Sophia attractions guide: Things to Do in Istanbul, Turkey