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Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya)

Sultanahmet | Eminonu District, Istanbul, Turkey (Sultanahmet - Old City)
0212 522 1750
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As featured in 3 days in Istanbul
Ranked #3 of 583 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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7,140 reviews from our community

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Ottawa
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 19, 2013 NEW

Very interesting building with a rich history. Lineups can be very long to get tickets and get in. We found that if you were willing to pay extra you could get one of the "official" guides who have id. They will ensure you get your tickets fast and in right away ... if you don't mind paying extra. It all... More

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See 4 more reviews by OttawaTravellingDude for Istanbul
Woodstock, GA
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 19, 2013 NEW

Brave the crowds -- it is well worth it. A beautiful architectural wonder with a fascinating history.

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See 5 more reviews by Sandra L for Istanbul
Dallas, Texas
Senior Contributor
43 reviews 43 reviews
29 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed June 19, 2013 NEW

Very impressive architecture. Amazing co existence of Christian and Islamic relics form different periods of history. If you really want to learn about the place take a tour guide. The rental earphone guide is pretty useless. Try to get inside early, gets very heavy tourist traffic. Definitely get a view from the higher story which used to be the women's... More

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See 5 more reviews by rasin11025 for Istanbul
Harlow, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 19, 2013 NEW

This was a lovely relaxing afternoon just wandered around, only thing was as it was a Sunday was very very busy

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See 5 more reviews by Marjorie M for Istanbul
Harrogate, United Kingdom
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed June 19, 2013 NEW

Costs 25TF (10 euros) to get in but well worth it. A Byzantine church first converted to a mosque but now a museum

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See 8 more reviews by yeg2667 for Istanbul
Munich, Germany
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 19, 2013 NEW

When in Istanbul you have to see Hagia Sophia - if you don´t want to go for the museum pass, you can buy online tickets for single museums and bypass long queues. Inside marvel at the mosaiques - especially the Deesis and Comnenus panels up on the gallery. There is restoration underway - lots of scaffolding. Look at the details... More

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Knebworth, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed June 19, 2013 NEW

An amazing structure, great views from the gallery; shame about the internal scaffolding, but acknowledge there is much renovation required.

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See 5 more reviews by Alan J for Istanbul
Cyprus
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 18, 2013 NEW

As an Orthodox I was truly moved from this experience... Is well preserved but they can do more with restoring the icons on the walls... But is definately worth the visit!! Don't miss it!

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Istanbul, Turkey
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 18, 2013 NEW

Amazing place. Its a must. Better ig you visit with tour guide, since you enter really fast. Did not like that some parts were in maintainance so did not have the chance to see it all.

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See 2 more reviews by Judith C for Istanbul
Chicago, Illinois
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
6 attraction reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 18, 2013 NEW

if you want to see a true historical place in Europe visit Hagia Sophia! Great atmosphere! I liked the aura of the place and the great wall paintings.

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See 6 more reviews by amor l for Istanbul

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