HAGIA SOPHIA

Information

Admission & Ticket Options

1) Hagia Sophia Mosque Entry & Guided Tours

• Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets
• Hagia Sophia Skip the Line Ticket + 1H Guided Tour + Audio Guide

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.

>> View all available passes here.

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 Map

Hagia Sophia Photo Gallery