Hagia Sophia stands in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, on Ayasofya Meydanı, a short walk from the other great monuments of the old city. It is known in Turkish as Ayasofya and in older European usage as Santa Sofia, and it remains one of the most recognisable landmarks in Turkey.
A building of many lives
The building was constructed in 537 AD as a Byzantine cathedral and is widely regarded as the architectural high point of the Byzantine Empire. Over the centuries it later served as an Ottoman mosque, and today it operates as a museum. Each of these periods has left its mark, so a visit allows you to see how one structure has been used in more than one religious and cultural tradition.
What a visit offers
- The vast interior, whose scale is best appreciated by walking slowly from the entrance toward the central space.
- The layers of architecture from different eras, visible as you move through the building.
- Its position among Istanbul's historic sites, so it pairs naturally with a walk through the surrounding old city.
Because it is a working heritage site and a major landmark, expect it to be busy at popular times. Allow time to take in the building at an unhurried pace, and check the opening arrangements before you travel, as they may change.
Getting there and planning
Hagia Sophia is in the historic peninsula of Istanbul, which is easy to explore on foot once you arrive in the area. For up-to-date information, you can call the museum on +90 212 522 1750 before your visit.