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Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
Known as “Ayasofa” (Sacred Wisdom) in Turkish, the Hagia Sofia started out as a church, becoming a cathedral under the Byzantine empire. Later it would become a mosque, and most recently a museum and monument that is hugely valued by the people of Turkey.
Looking across the Istanbul skyline, the Hagia Sophia demands the eye's attention. It has four magnificent minarets which soar into the sky around its enormous central dome, considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture – this is a stunning design, and Istanbul's most celebrated landmark.
Come through the western portal to enter, passing through the exonarthex, and then through one of the five portals to the narthex. Look upwards and marvel at the dome, inscribed with many verses from the Qur'an, and admire the ornate Christian mosaics and frescos, dating from the ninth and 10th centuries. The eastern corner is the resting place of a large number of sultans, where they are contained in their mausoleums.
First built by the Romans in 360 as a Christian church, the Hagia Sophia was twice destroyed by riots. A new basilica was constructed in the sixth century, and it became the centre of the Eastern Orthodox church. When Istanbul was captured by the Ottomans in 1453, the building was converted into a mosque, and a process of “Islamification” was undertaken – Christian features were covered up, and new Muslim ones were added. After the advent of modern Turkey, the building was closed, and then reopened as a museum in 1936.
As you might expect for the city's premier attraction, there are often long lines outside the Hagia Sophia, but the queues rarely last longer than half an hour. Snacks and drinks are available outside.
Easily accessible by public transport, it is open daily, except on Monday. You can get your ticket at the box office, where an audio guide can also be rented – this will give you a much deeper sense of the history and culture of this fascinating monument.
Popular Activities at Hagia Sophia
We understand you want to make the most out of your time at Hagia Sophia. So, we've put together some of the coolest things you can do here:
- Istanbul Classics & Highlights Full-Day Tour
- Small Group 4-Day Istanbul Tour
- Shore Excursion: Small-Group Mosaics of Istanbul Full-Day Tour with Lunch
- Istanbul in One Day Small-Group Tour
- Istanbul Classics Tour
- Istanbul Old City with Bosphorus Cruise & Cable Car Ride
Have a look at our Istanbul things to do page to find more activities in the area.
Guide to Exploring Hagia Sophia
Top Hagia Sophia Hotel Deals
Per night/room
15 Oct-16 Oct
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Piyer Loti Cad No:7, Istanbul, IstanbulLocated in Sultanahmet, this spa hotel is steps away from Cemberlitas Bath and Column of Constantine. Sultanahmet Square and Hagia Sophia are also within 10 minutes. Cemberlitas Station and Sultanahmet Station are within a 5-minute walk.
Per night/room
29 Sep-30 Sep
The Marmara Pera
Mesrutiyet Cad. Tepebasi, Istanbul, IstanbulThis family-friendly Istanbul hotel is located on the boardwalk, within a 15-minute walk of Galata Tower and Mixer. Taksim Square and Suleymaniye Mosque are also within 2 mi (3 km). Tunel Square Station is 6 minutes by foot and Tophane Station is 10 minutes.
Per night/room
14 Oct-15 Oct
Niles Hotel Istanbul - Special Class
Ordu Caddesi Dibekli Cami Sokak No: 13, Beyazit, Istanbul, IstanbulLocated in Istanbul City Center, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Cemberlitas Bath, Hippodrome of Constantinople and Suleymaniye Mosque. Basilica Cistern and Spice Bazaar are also within 1 mi (2 km). Beyazit Station is only a 3-minute walk and Laleli-University Station is 7 minutes.
Per night/room
24 Sep-25 Sep
Hotel Fehmi Bey - Special Class
Binbirdirek Mah. Ucler Sok. No.15, Sultanahmet, IstanbulLocated in Sultanahmet, this romantic hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Topkapi Palace is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) away. Cemberlitas Station is only a 5-minute walk and Sultanahmet Station is 5 minutes.
Per night/room
30 Sep-1 Oct
The Ambassador Hotel
Ticarethane Cikmazi No 19, Istanbul, IstanbulLocated in Sultanahmet, this spa hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Basilica Cistern, Sultanahmet Square, and Hippodrome of Constantinople. Hagia Sophia and Cagaloglu Hamami are also within 5 minutes. Sultanahmet Station is only a 2-minute walk and Cemberlitas Station is 6 minutes.
Per night/room
1 Oct-2 Oct
Arden City Hotel - Special Class
Alemdar Mah Kazm Ismail Gürkan Cad No2, Sultanahmet, IstanbulLocated in Sultanahmet, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Cagaloglu Hamami, Basilica Cistern, and Hagia Sophia. Sultanahmet Square and Cemberlitas Bath are also within 10 minutes. Sultanahmet Station and Gulhane Station are within a 5-minute walk.
Per night/room
24 Sep-25 Sep
Senatus Hotel - Special Class
Akbiyik Caddesi No: 40, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, IstanbulLocated in Sultanahmet, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Arasta Bazaar, Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace. Blue Mosque and Istanbul Archaeology Museum are also within 15 minutes. Istanbul Cankurtaran Station is only a 3-minute walk and Sultanahmet Station is 8 minutes.
Per night/room
24 Sep-25 Sep
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
Divanyolu Cd. Alemdar Mah., Ticarethane Sk. No 10 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, IstanbulThis family-friendly Istanbul hotel is located in the historical district, within a 5-minute walk of German Fountain, Basilica Cistern and Cemberlitas Bath. Sultanahmet Square and Hippodrome of Constantinople are also within 5 minutes. Sultanahmet Station is only a 2-minute walk and Cemberlitas Station is 4 minutes.
