Hagia Sophia Mosque

5.0

7865 ratings

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Level 21 Local Expert

Absolute architectural marvel that leaves you speechless. Even with the 25 EUR entry fee per person, the experience of witnessing such history is worth every cent. While the ground floor is currently reserved for worshipers and visitors are guided through the magnificent upper galleries, the perspective from above is actually breathtaking. You get a unique, bird's-eye view of the stunning mosaics and the massive dome. The atmosphere is solemn and grand a true bucket-list destination that lives up to its legendary reputation!

Lima Maksud

Level 7 Local Expert

Hagia Sophia is one of the most impressive places I’ve ever visited❤️. The building is huge and stunning inside and out, with so much history behind it. The mix of cultures and architecture makes it really unique. It can be a bit crowded, but it’s absolutely worth it — a must-visit when you’re in Istanbul.

Curdin

Level 27 Local Expert

Even just from the outside, Hagia Sophia is breathtaking. A true architectural marvel with deep historical significance. While I haven’t been inside yet, its exterior alone makes it worth the visit. There’s often some construction around, but it doesn’t take away from the majestic atmosphere.

Angelika

Level 8 Local Expert

Visiting Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is an unforgettable experience. The grandeur of the temple, the fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman cultures, the beauty of mosaics, and the play of light create a unique atmosphere. A must-visit place for history and art lovers.

Евгений О.

Level 8 Local Expert

Mosque is in a very bad conditions and needs serious reconstruction, also prices for visit are very high.

Lazizbek Ergashev

Level 14 Local Expert

Hagia Sophia is a legendary place, no description needed. The only thing to note is that it is currently under reconstruction in some areas. I went inside mainly for prayer and the experience was great, calm, and very meaningful.

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Level 30 Local Expert

A breathtaking monument blending Byzantine and Ottoman history. Located in Sultanahmet; easily reachable by tram (Sultanahmet stop).

Sarvar Mumtozbekov

Level 12 Local Expert

A breathtaking place with incredible history and architecture. A must-visit in Istanbul!

Tania

Level 30 Local Expert

Very unpleasant staff! We went as a group of 10 adults and we were followed by a lady from the security, who was picking on absolutely everything: we were looking at the wrong way and standing in the wrong place, we were asked to move, while in the same aisle there was a huge group with a guide. And so the whole tour we were harassed, criticised and pressed. We were covered, did not break the rules, behaved culturally and talked quietly. In the end, the lady called the head of security, and then we couldn't stand it and got indignant. The lady was never able to explain what rules we had broken and what she didn't like. After paying 25 euros we were subjected to reprisals. This is not hospitable and absolutely inappropriate! Shame on you, security staff. Don't overstep your authority by hating people based on nationality or religion.

rsni

Level 21 Local Expert

Amazing place, no words needed

Маргарита Королева

Level 4 Local Expert

This place costs 5800 (50$) it is too much for this place. Lf you bight tiket you can only go on the second floor. The place is beautiful. But it’s doesn’t cost 50$. For this place max price is 10$.

Daria

Level 12 Local Expert

Beautiful!

Konstantin Pol

Level 9 Local Expert

Marvelous historical site for every age and every preferences

Алексей В.

Level 7 Local Expert

Amazing place

Ellen

Level 7 Local Expert

These are timeless values. Every time I visit, I do so with admiration, holding my breath...

Otabek Ulmasov

Level 5 Local Expert

Best

мария федотова

Level 6 Local Expert

beautiful

Muhammed Boğatekin

Level 5 Local Expert

Aya Sophia MOSQUE, forever...

Mme Tanoh

Level 12 Local Expert

Didn't get inside but the view is so magnificent. Will come again another day

Бердиёр Яхшиликов

Level 4 Local Expert

Beautiful mosque with its old fashion

Shokhrukh

Level 12 Local Expert

Ancient and very beautiful place. One of the mustvisit places in the world

Shohruh Rahmatillayev

Level 5 Local Expert

So beautiful and historical place

Глеб Глинка

Level 8 Local Expert

Unfriendly…

Gokhan Ayalp

Level 8 Local Expert

Magnificient

Инкогнито 2823

Level 4 Local Expert

Hakan Dilan

Level 8 Local Expert

No wonder it’s one of the wonders of the world

Armine Khachatryan

Level 9 Local Expert

It’s a must visit place!

Osman Abdurashytov

Level 9 Local Expert

Magnificent

КРУАССАНЫЧ 🥐

Level 11 Local Expert

Best place

Suleman Ahmed

Level 3 Local Expert

Very Historic Mosque

Abraham

Level 8 Local Expert

So dangerous to be there. There are a lot of street sellers and pickpockets around.

sandsn

Level 15 Local Expert

History

Катерина Родина

Level 30 Local Expert

It is a very beautiful mosque , unfortunately it is currently undergoing restoration . Inside, the atmospheric twilight, everything in the forests, hanging chandeliers, is mesmerizing. Magnificent antique mosaics, the only but significant disadvantage is the paid entrance. Moreover, it is quite high for foreigners. And a strict security check at the entrance. They find fault with literally everything according to the dress code. Therefore, in order not to spend extra money, wear long-skirted clothes and cover your head. Skirts and scarves are not allowed at the entrance

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Максим Карочкин

Level 30 Local Expert

St. Sophia's Cathedral leaves an unforgettable impression. The grand dome, the rich historical heritage and the unique combination of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture create a truly special atmosphere. This is a place where you feel the greatness of history and culture, regardless of your views and interests.

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Ирина Симакова

Level 7 Local Expert

Just for show, I was here. A large-scale renovation is currently underway both inside and outside. The ground floor and part of the territory are closed to non-Muslims, as it is now a functioning mosque. It's beautiful inside, of course, but in my opinion, nothing out of the ordinary. The museum was also visited for a price of 5,500 rubles. Interactive tour about the history of the construction of Hagia Sophia. Interesting and informative.

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Михаил

Level 28 Local Expert

Visiting Hagia Sophia was one of the most powerful impressions of a trip to Istanbul. This place impresses with its scale, grandeur and amazing atmosphere, in which history, architecture and spirituality are intertwined. Inside, you feel a special silence and respect for the centuries-old history of the building. The huge space, dome, graceful details and soft light create a feeling of something almost unearthly. Hagia Sophia preserves the memory of different eras and cultures, so it cannot be perceived simply as a landmark - it is a real historical symbol of Istanbul. Visiting the mosque left a deep impression. Even among the large number of tourists, there is a special solemnity and connection with the past. Hagia Sophia is a place worth seeing with your own eyes to fully experience its scale and unique atmosphere.

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Нариман

Level 5 Local Expert

A very beautiful mosque with amazing architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. The interior is clean, spacious and cozy, you can feel the rich history and spirituality of this place. It is definitely worth a visit to all the guests of the city.

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Ирина Кузина

Level 17 Local Expert

We visited the museum in May, during the reconstruction. All the guides dissuaded us from going, they say you won't see anything, there are only forests there. Don't believe it, go early, while there are few people before 11 o'clock. There's a lot to see, the balcony is great. The building itself has thick walls and antique stairs. I was very impressed.

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Mark Linn

Level 14 Local Expert

And, the first place we visited was Hagia Sophia, built in 537 AD.... Basically, everything ancient amazes me, and when I touch it, I just get goosebumps. We went without excursions, but what we managed to read with the help of the Internet and AI is just a delight. For example, this mosque has changed its religion 3 times. The paintings are mosaic-lined, dilapidated from being laid with plaster and other things. It was forbidden to depict faces in the mosque (and now generally too), so it was only in the 20th century that these hidden images of Jesus Christ, St. Mary and St. John were found. By the way, it seems cool, but on the other hand, it's a pity, but tourists can only explore the balcony. Only Muslims who come to pray can be downstairs. The restoration didn't bother us in any way. And I do not even know what would happen if Hagia Sophia were restored and free, as before.… There were already a lot of people early in the morning.

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Михаил

Level 30 Local Expert

Sorry, it's not about food and accommodation.… I can't leave my feedback and impressions from more than one visit to this Cathedral. This is a truly great cathedral! With a great story! It is now a mosque. A couple of years ago, admission was free for everyone, now it's paid for tourists and the price tag is like in the Sultan's Palace (this is not a joke). At the same time, the entrance for Muslims remained free. Like that. I've been there several times and it takes my breath away every time! You can endlessly look and consider for the same length of time inside and outside. There are several frescoes with the faces of saints inside, but they are often hung to avoid attracting attention. In general, they are trying to carefully erase Christian history and put it into oblivion... it's a pity, of course. A grandiose room inside with a colossal dome, today it is difficult to imagine how such a magnificent and massive structure could be built almost 1,500 years ago, which survived more than one earthquake, and was built in just 5 years! Unbelievable! Today, residential buildings are rented in 2 years with cracks according to standard designs, with special equipment and a bunch of specialists)) And the great cathedrals in Europe were built several hundred years later and at least 500 years later! I advise you, even with the current price tag, to visit inside at least once and recharge Our Spirit, it is still felt there) I recommend that you do not miss and visit this masterpiece of art and religion, as well as our once history. A truly great cathedral! With a great story! It is now a mosque. A couple of years ago, admission was free for everyone, now it's paid for tourists and the price tag is like in the Sultan's Palace (this is not a joke). At the same time, the entrance for Muslims remained free. Like that. I've been there several times and it takes my breath away every time! You can endlessly look and consider for the same length of time inside and outside. There are several frescoes with the faces of saints inside, but they are often hung to avoid attracting attention. A grandiose room inside with a colossal dome, today it is difficult to imagine how such a magnificent and massive structure could be built almost 1,500 years ago, which survived more than one earthquake, and was built in just 5 years! Unbelievable! If you don't mind the money, then you should definitely visit this masterpiece of art and religion.

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Александр Клевцов

Level 8 Local Expert

It's a very sad sight, everything that could have been ruined in this once largest Christian church was ruined by the Turks... Almost all the frescoes lined with gold were scraped out, and crumbs remained.. The lower hall is closed to the public, now there is a mosque and prayer services.. They applied their own primitive ornament to the walls,the walls are dirty from streaks.. The entrance, by the way, is 30 euros, imho the visit is not worth the money.. But in general, it's a complete disappointment, I wouldn't have known. Still, when a temple of one faith is converted into another, it looks very sad (

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Королева Светлана

Level 9 Local Expert

The cathedral may be magnificent, but the current arrangements are simply terrible. We paid 50 euros per person. Not only did the guard persistently try to keep me out at the entrance and force me to buy their "raincoats" at the entrance (what they offer women is essentially a polythene raincoat, which we call a raincoat), allegedly my headscarf was wrong, and there was a slit in my dress, although I had a floor-length dress (I had to go change my clothes, since we lived 5 minutes walk from the cathedral). So you can also see only the second floor. You can't go down, you can't see the column with the finger hole. Only the upper floor and the parts of the frescoes of the icons that opened under the plaster. It's for 20 minutes of viewing, for 100 euros for two, it's somehow completely unclear. This is probably why the ticket also includes an excursion to the historical museum, where the exposition tells what happened in Ayai Sofia and when.

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Ася К.

Level 6 Local Expert

Of the advantages: · The scale and atmosphere are really impressive. · You can see the famous Byzantine mosaics up close. · A sense of history — from Byzantium to the Ottoman Empire. Cons: · Expensive-2,700 lire · Part of the interior is closed to tourists (prayer area). · Strict rules: you can not speak loudly, read religious books aloud, dress code. Hagia Sophia is a must-see, but be prepared for restrictions and a high price tag.

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Виктория Феткулова

Level 30 Local Expert

Hagia Sophia is one of the key attractions of Istanbul, which is located in the Old Town of Sultanahmet district.🕌 Hagia Sophia is translated from Greek as "The Holy Wisdom of God." St. Sophia's Cathedral was built in 5 years, which is really amazing from the word AT ALL!🔥 Just imagine, in a record 5 years, the architects managed to raise the temple to a height of almost 60 m! One dome reaches a diameter of 31 m and is located at around 55 m! The dome consists of 40 arches, just below (you will see) 40 arched windows. Thanks to the 4 columns, this whole structure stands and does not fall☝️ From an interesting point: pay attention to the different arched ceilings in the Cathedral, I would say, curves (see photo) and despite this, everything continues to stand. The cathedral was originally Orthodox: in 537 it was consecrated by the local Patriarch of Constantinople. And almost 1,000 years later, after the Ottomans captured Constantinople, the cathedral turned into a mosque. After some time, the cathedral became a museum. And in our time, in 2020, it became a mosque again. By the way, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is the Blue Mosque. The mosque is equipped with a large number of Byzantine mosaics. It contains images of the Virgin and Child, Archangel Gabriel, John Chrysostom, Gregory the Theologian, which have survived to this day, as well as images of Christ with the Mother of God and John the Baptist (to be restored soon), etc. According to the guide, there is a cistern under the mosque, which is still being filled with water from underground sources. In addition, there is a network of tunnels that leads to the Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome Square. Today, the mosque is undergoing restoration (both inside and outside). But even so, the flow of tourists is maximum. Information for those who plan to visit it: men should wear trousers/jeans, women should wear jeans/long skirts (WITHOUT a slit) and headscarves. Here, unlike the Blue Mosque, headscarves are NOT issued. If you didn't take it, then either you will need to buy it (it will be too expensive), or you don't visit the mosque.

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Марина Шелестова

Level 16 Local Expert

It is impossible not to visit Hagia Sophia at least once in your life, if you have been to Istanbul. This Byzantine temple witnessed the heyday of Christianity in Constantinople, survived the capture of the city by the Ottoman Empire. Hagia Sophia was not destroyed, and this is already an event! Yes, it is a mosque now, and it is being renovated. But the frescoes can be seen. Can you imagine, these mosaic frescoes have been around for so many centuries? Everything is organized perfectly. The queue for tickets is moving fast, there are stands with QR codes in the mosque, an audio guide is connected, you choose the Russian language and listen! The mosque is operational, so tourists only walk on the second floor. Tickets can be taken separately to the mosque and separately to the museum. I took it all together, about 2,700 lire. It's expensive, but I don't regret it. 👍

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Настёнка Ширинкина

Level 6 Local Expert

Prices are being charged. There is no point in a full ticket. They lead you around construction foxes and construction sites and you won't really see anything. We took a ticket, we walked cleanly from above, everything is visible from there and the price is much cheaper. I think it's worth a visit. But the restoration will take a long time, repairs are being made with the funds of tourists.

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Мария К.

Level 12 Local Expert

It is currently undergoing reconstruction. But despite the repairs inside and out and the queues, this place is worth a visit at least once in a lifetime. The energy of the ancient temple, turned into a mosque, is felt immediately.

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Alla K.

Level 7 Local Expert

Hagia Sophia is not just a tourist attraction, but the real heart of Istanbul. Once inside, you immediately feel the grandeur and the centuries-old history of this place. Grandiose domes, ancient mosaics, the play of light through the windows — all this makes a very strong impression. It is especially pleasant that the spirit of different eras has been preserved here: traces of both Christian and Islamic culture are visible. It's a place where you can spend a lot of time looking at details and reflecting on the past. Even if you are not very religious, Hagia Sophia impresses with its architecture and atmosphere. I advise you to arrive early to avoid long queues. And be sure to go up to the second floor — from there you have the best view of the entire temple space.

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BGXi

Level 27 Local Expert

An amazing place, an interweaving of religions and history. I strongly advise everyone to visit in person and inside. A beautiful mosque and a huge history... There is a beautiful landscaped area around.

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Eduard

Level 18 Local Expert

A historical place. You can take a guided tour or walk separately. We've been there twice and both times we've been involved in construction work, but it's understandable, the building is 1,500 years old, and it hasn't spoiled the impression. The architecture is amazing, especially when you realize that it was built in the 6th century. There are Orthodox faces on the walls, right next to the Arabic script and prayers. Very unusual. Who will be in Istanbul is a must-visit.

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Hagia Sophia Mosque

2604 reviews