Initially constructed in 537 AD, this UNESCO World Heritage listed site is recognizable by its iconic grand dome. The dome measures 108 feet in diameter and 180 feet tall and is supported by several smaller domes creating a unique appearance both inside and out.
The architectural gem served as a church during the Byzantine Empire, then a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. In 1935, it was converted into a museum and now sees over 3 million visitors through its doors each year to marvel at the 11th-13th century mosaics, frescos, and exquisite architecture, and to say hello to resident Instagram star, Gli the cat.
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Hours
9am-5pm, Tuesday-Sunday (November-March)
9am-7pm, Tuesday-Sunday (April-October)
Look Around
Who Will Like Hagia Sophia Museum
Culture Buff
Immerse yourself fully in this complex historical site influenced by both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.
Bucketlist Bandit
Pick your jaw up off the ground as you make your way through this historic UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photography Whiz
Bring your tripod to snap this architectural marvel at blue hour. Inside the museum, you’ll find countless angles to capture the building’s grandeur and beauty.
Insider Tips For Hagia Sophia Museum
- Visit early in the mornings to avoid long queues.
- Book tickets online for fast-track entry and a licensed guide to explain the building’s historical and cultural significance.
- Download a 3rd party museum guide app (iOS, Android) for offline maps and historical facts. The app costs USD$0.99.
Video
How To Get There
Taxi
Insist on using the taxi meter before hopping in.
Tech & Photography
Wifi
Public wifi access: None
Photography
Photography allowed: Yes
Tripod allowed: No
Selfie sticks allowed: Yes
Best time to shoot: Blue Hour
Tips: Skip the crowded entrance hall and go straight to the balcony for better photo opportunities. Set your tripod up near the fountain in the large park for the best night shots of the southern façade of the illuminated building.
Drones
Drones allowed: No
Bags
Backpacks allowed: Yes
Secured bag lockers available: No
Food & Drink
Water is available for purchase inside the museum for an inflated price. Several food and drink stands are located in the park opposite the museum. Don’t miss the Turkish ice cream stand for a snack with a show. For a more substantial meal, visit one of the many Turkish and international restaurants located on surrounding streets.
Backstory
Originally constructed as a Greek Orthodox basilica in 360 AD, burned down in 404 AD, reconstructed in 415 AD, and destroyed again by fire a century later. The current building was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and completed in 537 AD. Design and construction elements were ordered from every province of the Byzantine Empire including marble from eastern Turkey and Syria, bricks from North Africa, and columns from the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus. The construction only took 6 years to complete but was rushed, leading to a partial dome collapse during construction and a near-complete dome collapse two decades later. The dome structure and support were then redesigned and have stood tall ever since with minor maintenance.
When the city was conquered by the Ottomans in 1453 A.D., the church was converted to a mosque. The Christian artwork was covered, grand inscribed medallions were placed on the columns, and a mihrab, bronze lamps, marble cubes, and minarets were introduced.
Etiquette
- Remove shoes when required as the museum is still considered to be a sacred site.
- Be considerate of other visitors taking photos in popular locations.
- Eat or drink inside the museum.
Scorecard
- Architectural beauty with domes incredibly large for their time.
- Historical significance spanning 2 empires and over 15 centuries.
- Mosaics and frescos over 1,000 years old.
- Queues to enter can be very long and confusing.
- Self-guided audio tours only touch on a little of the rich history of this captivating building.
Oh, you're so close
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But that's ok! You're welcome to join the cool club for free.
Joining only takes a minute and it's... um... free! Plus you get other perks like badges, points, and unicorns.
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