Hagia Sophia: Tickets

Hagia Sophia Mosque - Tickets and Visitor Information

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What is the Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul?

• Hagia Sophia Mosque (Ayasofya) is one of Istanbul's best-known landmarks and one of the world's most important historic buildings.
• Originally built as a Byzantine cathedral in the 6th century, it later became an imperial mosque, then a museum, and today once again serves as a working mosque.
• Known for its vast central dome, impressive mosaics and rich history, Hagia Sophia is one of the city's most visited historic monuments.

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Quick Information

• Address: Hagia Sophia Mosque, Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı 1, 34122 Fatih Istanbul.
• Opening Hours: Daily from 09:00 - 17:00
• Suggested Visit Duration: 1-2 hours

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Is Hagia Sophia Mosque Worth Visiting?

• The mosque is one of Istanbul's most popular attractions.
• If you're interested in history, architecture or culture, Hagia Sophia is one of the city's essential sights and well worth a visit.

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What You Can See At Hagia Sophia

• Visitors can explore the upper gallery, the section open to the public. From here you can admire the vast interior, Byzantine mosaics and impressive views beneath the famous dome overhead.

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About Hagia Sophia Mosque

The mosque is in the heart of Istanbul and is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. Its history spans over 1,500 years and the building has served as a cathedral, a mosque, a museum, and it is now a functioning mosque once again.

The name 'Hagia Sophia' means "Holy Wisdom" in Greek, and it was originally constructed as a Byzantine cathedral in 537 AD under Emperor Justinian I. For nearly a thousand years it was the largest cathedral in the world, and a symbol of Byzantine architectural brilliance.

After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Sultan Mehmed II converted it into a mosque. Then, in 1935, under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, it was converted into a museum showing its blend of Christian and Islamic art. In 2020, it was reconverted into a mosque, which it still remains today.

Its most recognisable feature is the enormous 55.6-metre-high central dome, supported by innovative pendentives that create the impression it is floating above the vast interior.

Inside, visitors can admire Byzantine mosaics depicting Christ, the Virgin Mary and various saints alongside large Islamic calligraphy panels, reflecting the building's Christian and Islamic heritage.

There are four towering minarets which were added during the Ottoman era and are a hallmark of Islamic architecture of the time. Its interior is also covered with intricately patterned marble slabs that line the walls and floors, showing ancient artistry.

The ‘Imperial Gate’ once reserved for emperors, is another highlight, featuring a mosaic of Christ above the entrance. Whether you're interested in history, architecture or religion, Hagia Sophia offers a fascinating insight into nearly 1,500 years of Istanbul's past.

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