Information
Hagia Sophia Mosque
Summer & Winter period: 1st October to 1st April
Open on: 9:00 AM
Closing time: 8:30 PM (last entry: 19.30)
Hagia Sophia History Museum
Winter & Summer Season: Hagia Sophia History Museum can be visited between 8.00 am and 8.00 pm
Closed Days: Open every day
Note: The ticket office closes at 7:00 PM
Recommended Duration: 1 hours
Address: Sultanahmet Hagia Sophia Square No:1 34122/Istanbul
Email: islamicworld@diyanet.gov.tr
Phone: +90 (212) 522 17 50
Unesco Year: 1985
🎧 👉 Listen to a sample of the Hagia Sophia Audio Guide and buy it.
Hagia Sophia stands as one of Istanbul's most culturally and historically significant landmarks. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has withstood centuries, empires, and historical transformations. Originally built as a church during the Eastern Roman Empire, it later served as a mosque, then a museum, and has now been reconverted into a mosque.
On this page, you will find key information to help plan your visit to this iconic site.
Admission & Ticket Options
1) Hagia Sophia Mosque Entry & Guided Tours
2) Hagia Sophia Historical Museum Tickets
- Hagia Sophia History & Experience Museum Tickets
- Hagia Sophia Full Skip the Ticket Lines Pass: Mosque & Museum
3) Hagia Sophia Combo Tickets
- Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Tickets
- Hagia Sophia Ticket & Bosphorus Cruise
- Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern Tour
- Topkapi Palace & Hagia Sophia Tickets
- Combo: Topkapi Palace & Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern
4) City Passes:
For details on passes that grant access to this attraction, please refer to the passes page.
Exhibitions & Collections
- The Dome: A 30-meter-wide central dome, a hallmark of Byzantine architecture, appears to float above the main hall.
- Byzantine Mosaics: Remnants of religious mosaics depicting emperors, empresses, and saints are still visible.
- Mihrab and Minbar: Islamic features added after its conversion to a mosque, signifying its Ottoman transformation.
- Upper Galleries: Elevated sections offering panoramic views and housing well-preserved mosaics.
- Calligraphic Roundels: Large medallions with Arabic inscriptions of Allah, the Prophet Muhammad, and early caliphs.
- Wishing Column: A legendary column believed to have healing properties when touched.
How to Get There
- By Tram: The nearest tram stop is Sultanahmet Station (T1 Line), just a short walk from the entrance.
- By Metro: Visitors from the Asian side can use the Marmaray and transfer at Sirkeci Station, then walk or take the tram to Sultanahmet.
- By Bus: Several public buses serve Eminönü and Sirkeci, both within walking distance.
Visitor Guidelines & Practical Information
- Opening Hours: Hagia Sophia is open daily, but visiting hours may vary due to prayer times. Non-Muslim visitors may be restricted from entering during prayer services.
- Dress Code: Modest clothing is required. Women are expected to cover their hair with a scarf, and shorts or sleeveless tops are not permitted. Scarves and coverings are available at the entrance.
- Photography: Photography is allowed, but flash and tripods are prohibited inside the building.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair access is available on the ground level, but the upper galleries may not be fully accessible.
- Best Visiting Times: Avoid praying times especially Friday noon.
History of Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia was commissioned by Byzantine Emperor Justinian
I and completed in 537 CE, serving as the largest and most influential cathedral in Christendom for nearly a thousand years. As the religious and political center of the Byzantine Empire, it played a crucial role in Orthodox Christianity. Following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Sultan Mehmed II converted it into a mosque, marking the beginning of a new era. Minarets were added, Christian iconography was covered, and Islamic architectural elements, such as the mihrab and minbar, were introduced.
In 1935, as part of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s secularization efforts, Hagia Sophia was transformed into a museum, preserving both its Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. This status remained for 85 years until 2020, when it was reconverted into a mosque while still allowing visitors to explore its historical and architectural significance.
Today, Hagia Sophia stands as a symbol of Istanbul’s layered history, reflecting the city’s diverse cultural, religious, and artistic legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is an iconic historical landmark in Istanbul, originally built as a Byzantine cathedral in 537 CE by Emperor Justinian I. It is famous for its massive dome, intricate Byzantine mosaics, and transformation over centuries from a Christian cathedral to an Ottoman imperial mosque, then a museum, and now a functioning mosque again. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it symbolizes the rich cultural and religious history of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.
Yes, Hagia Sophia is open to visitors of all faiths. However, as it is an active mosque, non-Muslim visitors should be mindful of prayer times, when entry to certain areas may be restricted. Visitors are also expected to follow the mosque etiquette, including dressing modestly and removing shoes before entering the prayer hall.
Yes, entry to Hagia Sophia is free since it operates as a mosque. However, access to some historical sections, such as the upper galleries, may be restricted or require a guided tour. Visitors should also be aware that peak hours and prayer times can affect accessibility.
Hagia Sophia has served as both a Christian cathedral and an Islamic mosque throughout its history. Originally built as a Byzantine church in 537 CE, it was converted into a mosque in 1453 following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. In 1935, it became a museum, but in 2020, it was officially reconverted into a mosque. Today, it functions as a place of worship while remaining open to tourists.
Hagia Sophia Map
Hagia Sophia Photo Gallery
