Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia, the most spectacular example of Byzantine architecture, has served as a cathedral and a mosque and is now a museum and one of the country's most popular attractions. The intricate mosaics and frescoes throughout this majestic mosque are marvelous.
The Hagia Sophia is one of the most intimidating of all the buildings you will ever see. Nevertheless, it is widely regarded as the pinnacle of Byzantine architecture. The enormous building has several noteworthy features, and as soon as you step inside, you are surrounded by a sizable array of mosaics, marble pillars, and floor coverings. Despite ongoing restoration efforts, it is Turkey's busiest museum despite the building's neglect-induced decline.
Overview
| Location | Turkey |
| Address | Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih, İstanbul, Turkey |
| Architectural styles | Byzantine architecture, Ottoman architecture |
| Function | Mosque |
| Google Map | - |
Highlights
- Find all the interior walls decorated with mosaics of various dimensions to make out different forms of figures and artistic motifs.
- Explore the artworks considered to be masterpieces even at present and stand as a testimony to the fantastic Byzantine art forms.
- Admire the Hagia Sophia, also decorated with various types of marble sourced from all parts of the Byzantine Empire at that time.
- You will come across several marble columns sourced from various parts of the empire.
- Look at the Wishing Column in Hagia Sophia, yet another artistic marvel. This is also known as the crying column or the perspiring column.
- Check out Hagia Sophia's architecture, as it is the major thing that has made it so popular in the world from its first opening to the final stage of reconstruction.
Recommended for
Hagia Sophia is a famous tourist attraction that attracts many travelers, like history buffs, families, solo travelers, and many more. Also, Hagia Sophia's history is fascinating and easily captivates visitors' sights.
Hagia Sophia ticket price
Before it became a mosque, Hagia Sophia had a 100 Turkish Lira (TRY) entrance fee. The entrance fee, however, is no longer required. Like other mosques in Istanbul, Hagia Sophia is open to visitors for free. But if you wish to donate to the mosque, you are welcome to do that.
About Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul's most revered historical sites and a reminder of Byzantine architecture. In addition, it has served as a Greek Orthodox cathedral, a mosque, and now a museum, making it a multifaceted monument.
The display hall may contain a collection of ancient marble pillars, mosaics, and floor coverings. In addition, Istanbul's Hagia Sophia is a magnificent piece of architecture and a reminder of the city's illustrious past.
The Hagia Sophia was constructed in 532 AD, and from that time until about 1520, it was regarded as the biggest cathedral in the world. Until 1935, it was used as a Greek cathedral before President Kemal Ataturk converted it into the Ayasofya Museum.
The floor's carpets were removed, bringing to light the elaborate pattern work done for the first time. Mosaics and frescoes are works of art that will leave everyone in awe of their majestic presence.
As tourists, you would undoubtedly fall in love with some of the attractions at this monument, such as the marble door, the wishing column, and the empress's lodge. The Turkish government has renovated and restored the museum multiple times to conserve this historic structure and turn it into a major tourist destination.
This architectural wonder has drawn countless tourists every year. Take advantage of this opportunity to see this location and be inspired by the engineering and architecture of the past if Istanbul is on your travel itinerary.
Interesting Facts about Hagia Sophia
- The majestic Hagia Sophia dome is considered the second largest dome in the world after the Pantheon in Rome.
- The Hagia Sophia cathedral was the largest in the world for more than a millennium (until the Seville Cathedral was completed in 1520).
- There have been two reconstructions and numerous renovation and restoration projects at the exact location. Unfortunately, the first and second structures were set on fire during the riots.
- The Hagia Sophia building's final construction took 5 years, 10 months, and 4 days to complete. At the site, there were more than 10,000 employees.
- Hollow bricks support the building's dome. The brick was explicitly created for Rhodes' Hagia Sophia using light, porous clay.
- The dome and cupolas have a combined surface area of nearly 19,000 square meters.
- Building materials were transported from different regions of the Byzantine empire to give the monument the unique characteristics of the entire kingdom.
Popular Turkey Tour Packages
FAQS About Hagia Sophia
Ans: Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom, Ayasofya), constructed between 532 and 537, is a Byzantine architectural and artistic masterpiece. It served as the main church of the Byzantine Empire in its capital, Constantinople (now Istanbul), before being converted into a mosque in 1453 by the Ottoman Empire.
Ans: By taking Tram line T1 to the Sultanahmet Stop, you may get to Hagia Sophia. You can also be dropped off near the monument by taking the train to the Marmaray stop or the Metro line M2. Bus lines 66, 92B, BN1, and TB2 are available if you'd instead take one of those.
Ans: Yes, every day of the week, Hagia Sophia is open.
Ans: The three interesting facts are:
- People believe it has healing powers.
- Hagia Sophia started life as a church.
- All visitors, Muslims, and non-Muslims, are allowed to enter Hagia Sophia Mosque.
Ans: In Hagia Sophia, a tour guide is essential because the museum needs to provide more information. As a result, you need a guide to learn the legends and histories behind each decorative minaret, mosaic, and architectural masterpiece.