Hagia Sophia: Skip The Ticket Line Entry Ticket
Bypass the ticket line to Istanbul's most awe-inspiring mosque
- Hagia Sophia Mosque: Skip The Line Entry Ticket
- Audio Guide with Augmented Reality (AR) experience available in 23 languages
- Combined entry ticket to Hagia Sophia Mosque & History Museum (if selected)
Hagia Sophia Mosque Tickets and Information
- Hagia Sophia Mosque Address: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı 1, 34122 Fatih Istanbul.
- Opening Hours: Daily from 09:00 - 17:00
Is Hagia Sophia Mosque Worth Visiting
- If you are interested in culture and architecture, it’s definitely worth visiting, yes.
What You See When Visiting Hagia Sophia
- The second floor of the iconic mosque (the only floor open to tourists).
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About Hagia Sophia Mosque
The incredible Hagia Sophia in the heart of Istanbul is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Its history spans over 1,500 years and the awe-inspiring structure has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum, and is now a functioning mosque once again.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or a curious traveller, the Hagia Sophia offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's rich cultural heritage.
The name means "Holy Wisdom" in Greek, and it was originally constructed as a Byzantine cathedral in 537 AD under Emperor Justinian I. For nearly a millennium, 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 then reconverted back into a mosque, which it still remains today.
The mosque features a massive 55.6 metre-high central dome which is supported by pendentives that seem to float, giving the Hagia Sophia its ethereal quality.
The interior of the mosque is covered with beautiful Byzantine mosaics which depict Christ, the Virgin Mary, and various saints, which all co-exist with Islamic calligraphy. There are also 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.
Lastly, the incredible ‘Imperial Gate’ which is the grand entrance and was originally reserved for emperors, is a striking feature with a mosaic of Christ above it.
It’s a building that all can enjoy no matter your faith or background.
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Hagia Sophia FAQs
- What is the Hagia Sophia famous for?
- The Hagia Sophia is famous as a recognisable landmark, for its massive dome, historical significance, and blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture.
- Is the Hagia Sophia a museum or a mosque?
- It has been both! It is currently a mosque but remains open to visitors.
- Can non-Muslims visit the Hagia Sophia?
- Yes, but only the second floor. The Hagia Sophia is an incredibly popular tourist attraction in the city.
- Is there an entrance fee for the Hagia Sophia?
- Yes, non-Muslims can only visit the second floor and tickets are required. Click HERE for ticket options.
- What should I wear to visit the Hagia Sophia?
- Modest clothing is required, and women should bring a scarf to cover their heads. Please remember, it is a religious building.
- How old is the Hagia Sophia?
- Over 1,500 years old.
- What does Hagia Sophia mean?
- It translates to "Holy Wisdom" in Greek.
- Are guided tours of the Hagi Sophia available?
- Yes. Click HERE for ticket options.
Hagia Sophia Fun and Interesting Facts
- Largest In the World: The Hagia Sophia was the largest cathedral in the world for nearly 1,000 years!
- 10,000 Workers: Over 10,000 workers built the original structure in just five years.
- Earthquakes: The building has withstood multiple earthquakes thanks to its innovative design.
- Viking History: Viking graffiti can still be seen on one of the railings inside.
- Miracles: It houses a column believed to have miraculous healing properties.
- Covered and then Uncovered: The mosaics were plastered over during the Ottoman period but later restored.
- Travelled the Distance: Its interior design uses materials from as far as Egypt and Syria.
- UNESCO: It’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Novel Setting: The structure served as a setting in Dan Brown’s novel, Inferno.
Useful Information About Hagia Sophia
Tips for Visiting
- Book Tickets Online: It’s a popular attraction in the city, so for ease and convenience, we suggest booking your tickets online. This can also help you avoid the queues that can form.
- Combination Tickets: Consider one of our great combination tickets that either include a guided tour or access to other attractions in the city. Click HERE for combination ticket options.
How To Get There
- Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı 1, 34122 Fatih Istanbul.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 09:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 - 17:00
- Thursday: 09:00 - 17:00
- Friday: 09:00 - 17:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 17:00
