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Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya)

Sultanahmet | Eminonu District, Istanbul, Turkey (Old City)
0212 522 1750
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As featured in 3 days in Istanbul
Ranked #3 of 584 attractions in Istanbul
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Type: Architectural Buildings, Religious Sites, History Museums, Historic Sites
Fee: Yes
Recommended length of visit: 1-2 hours
Owner description: This architectural marvel displays 30 million gold tiles throughout its interior, and a wide, flat dome which was a bold engineering feat at the time... more » Owner description: This architectural marvel displays 30 million gold tiles throughout its interior, and a wide, flat dome which was a bold engineering feat at the time it was constructed in the 6th century. « less
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6,776 reviews from our community

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Detroit, Michigan
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

The mosacis were outstanding. It's presently in renovation, however that won't hinder you from seeing most of the Mosque. The the caligraphy gallery was especially nice.

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Portland, Oregon
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

This is an incredible example of early Roman architecture that is the gold standard by which all other churches have been judged. Now an exquisite example of a church conversion to a mosque with added minarets and ornamentations that will leave you in awe of its beauty.

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Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

It was an amazing experience! The museum has a wonderful ambiance and one senses all the history and wonder that has gone before. It is an architecturally inspiring, with beautiful murals whether they are christian or islamic. One of my favourite buildings in Istanbul.

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2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

A must visit. No words to describe how beautiful it is and how much history lies in this one place. One tip: the line for it can get realllly long, your best bet is to go early in the morning approx. 9am and the lines are MUCH shorter and there would be less people inside so better view of everything.... More

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Liverpool, England
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

Possibly the best example of Byzantine architecture in the world. There are many places to see in this vibrant city but this is a must see if you visit Istanbul.

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See 7 more reviews by Edmund Spenser for Istanbul
Sheffield, United Kingdom
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
4 attraction reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

could wander around at own pace, had a guide who was very helpful. the mosaics on the walls were lovely, there is some restoration taking place currently so could not see it all.

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See 4 more reviews by shireen s for Istanbul
Houston
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

This is well worth a long line wait. Beautiful church turned into a mosque, with great history. The details on the pillars, the walls and the balcony are magnificent. The transformation from the Church to a Mosque is a little painful, since a lot of the original art was covered up due it becoming a mosque, but still great and... More

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sf
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

It’s one of the nicest cathedrals in Europe with so much history and events. You have to visit this place first thing in the morning when not too many people there, and easy to buy daily tickets.

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See 7 more reviews by lifewellsf for Istanbul
Hue, Vietnam
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

This is the Must see place in Istanbul ! The History is just Incredible ! Go Early and if you plan to visit loads of Museums in Istanbul then buy the museum card and go straight to special line , smaller line ?

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See 2 more reviews by dean w for Istanbul
Lund, Sweden
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
6 attraction reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

Great place with a lot of history, pagan, christianity and islam. Very impressive building with respect to its age. This is a most for everyone who visits Istanbul.

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See 6 more reviews by Rikard H for Istanbul

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