Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in Istanbul
A place where history comes alive.
Your First Look at Hagia Sophia
When you walk through the gate and see Hagia Sophia for the first time, you might stop and just stare. The huge dome, the tall minarets, the stone walls—it feels like something out of a dream. This isn’t just an old building. It’s a place full of stories from many different times.
Hagia Sophia from Outside
A Journey Through Time in Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia has been here for nearly 1,500 years. The building you see now was built in 537 by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. But before this one, there were two other churches on the same spot, both destroyed in fires and riots. Justinian used materials like marble and columns from all over the empire to build the grandest church of its time.
Later, in 1453, the Ottomans conquered Istanbul, and Hagia Sophia became a mosque. They added Islamic features like the mihrab (prayer niche), minbar (pulpit), and four minarets. One of the most famous Ottoman architects, Mimar Sinan, helped keep the building strong by adding supports to the outside.
In 1934, the Turkish Republic turned it into a museum. Then in 2020, it officially became a mosque again. Today, the main floor is used for prayer, but visitors can explore the upper galleries and many parts of this historic place.
What You’ll Experience Inside Hagia Sophia
The Big Dome: Look up! It’s more than 55 meters high and over 31 meters wide. It seems to float in the air.
Seraphim Angels: These six-winged angels painted under the dome are beautiful and mysterious.
Deesis Mosaic: Found upstairs, this mosaic shows Jesus with the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist. It’s calm and emotional.
The Wishing Column: A pillar that many people touch and make a wish. Some say it brings healing.
Mihrab and Minbar: Islamic features still used for prayers.
Tombs of Ottoman Sultans: Just outside, you’ll find peaceful tombs of Ottoman rulers.
Where to Go Inside Hagia Sophia
Ground Floor: This is where you’ll see the dome, mihrab, minbar, and the wishing column. (Note: Only Muslims can enter the prayer area.)
Upper Galleries: Open to all visitors. This is where you’ll find the famous mosaics and a great view of the main hall.
Useful Information
🕒 Hours: Every day, 09:00 – 19:00 (last entry at 18:00)
🎟️ Tickets: €25 (foreigners), 800 TL (Turkish citizens with ID)
📍 Nearby Places: Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapı Palace, and Hagia Sophia History Museum are all within walking distance.
A Special Place You’ll Remember
Hagia Sophia is not just a building—it’s a place that takes you through time. Whether you’re here for the history, the religion, or the art, you’ll feel something special. Take your time, look around slowly, and let the beauty and silence speak to you.
