Absolutely beautiful to see with your own eyes and feel the history of the place. Majestic. Wearing a mask helps because it really smells like feet in there unfortunately! I would recommend going with a guide. We didnt have one and would have liked to learn a bit more about the place. The first floor is no longer open so it was very crowded with everyone on the ground floor.

This location has long history, and has changed its purpose through out the years. The most recent incarnation as a mosque allows the access cost to the public to be free, but limits the access to the bottom floor. The second stroy was accessible when it was a museum, the museum also had more self guided elements. The Mosque itself has nothing about the history, and their are no self guided options. There are many guides outside who make their living doing tours. Be sure to negotiate, we were quoted $100 lira per person, which we felt was a little steep.

Stunning, serene and soothing... if you arrive in the morning before the crowds - otherwise just stunning!An incredible building with an equally impressive history. Unfortunately large parts of the building are undergoing renovation at the moment (summer 2021) so the upper floor is closed, but there is plenty to see anyway, from the mosaics to giant marble jugs with fascinating stories behind each and every detail.If you dont use a tour guide (there will be some outside touting for business), make sure to read up before going in, or at least have a written guide ready to follow.

It was worth to visit in this historical place where you could see historical different layers. We went early in the morning between praying times, which was good decision. Tried earlier twice in the afternoon, but place was too busy then.

A great place but always crowded, well maintained with few restaurants around. The security and the tickets clerk need to work on their customer service skills, unfortunately they do not know how to entertain a customer. Sometimes you’d get the idea that you’re being scolded by them just for asking a question.

Absolutely beautiful!!! We spent at least one half here. For visiting, you need to take care of dress code. I wore long dress and a top to cover the shoulders. And also a scarf to cover the hair. If you dont hace those, you can also borrow it from the entrance. There are also free guides who are working there, and offer free introduction from time to time. We had one guide, she is very friendly ans spoke good English. It definitely worth a visit!

What should i say This place is a Must if you visit Istanbul! Almost 1500 years many different religions and as much people who visit every day haha. I really recommend that you visit this place around 7-8pm than you will have almost no tourist around you.

Genius ingenuity and art work come together. Through out the years it was church and turned into museum then mosque. It was good that we went with a local tour guide to learn more about each of this landmark’s historical event. Bring your scarf and ensure covering yourself when joining into the place.

Hagia Sophia is a great architectural beauty and an important monument both for Byzantine and for Ottoman Empires. Once a church, later a mosque, and now a museum at the Turkish Republic, Hagia Sophia has always been the precious of its time..The mystical city Istanbul hosted many civilizations since centuries, of which Byzantium and Ottoman Empires were both the most famous ones. The city today carries the characteristics of these two different cultures and surely Hagia Sophia is a perfect synthesis where one can observe both Ottoman and Byzantium effects under one great dome.

This is one of the most important and impressive sights and a must see when coming to Istanbul. It always amazes me how this huge building was built and still stands proud and magnificent after almost 1500 years.

A beautiful piece of history I am so happy to see still stands today. Definitely worth going in and being able to touch history from our ancestors.

Really beautiful mosque. Must go early in the morning to avoid the tourist crowds. Ladies need to cover their hair, as usual in all mosques. Staff very tolerant of people taking pictures. A must see when visiting the area. there is so much history and architecture it is almost overwhelming.

Inside you can only go to the main hall and nowhere else. So, while the main hall is nice, overall this was kinda disappointing. You only need about 15 minutes to see the main hall and take photos. Its better to get pictures from the outside. Entrance is free, but shorts are not allowed for men and women need to cover their hair and knees. They sell an overall women can use for 20 lira. Try to avoid going during prayer times. For great photos of the exterior, go to the seven hills terrace restaurant nearby, ideally close to sunset.

Beautiful place, been 6 years ago and recently again and it was beautiful.It is now a mosque, so you need to take off your shoes and its all carpeted (was not like that before) It was very very busy inside, you had to put your mask on but there was NO social distancing.keep that in mind when visiting.

I can only recommend it to everyone to visit this historical masterpiece. I have never admired such an impressive building. You can feel the history and get goose bumps. You have to see it once.Women must wear a headscarf.Men must wear long pants.Shoes must be removed.Admission is free.

It used to be an awesome place to visit until they made it a functional mosque. Now you cannot visit the second floor with ancient frescos. They covered the orthodox painting with covers. So you cannot investigate and see its history anymore. I would say it became a regular (still very good but regular) mosque instead of a history monument

Aya Sofi Mosque is a place with a deep history. I recommend to visit it

Amazing, simply amazing. A must see for anyone in Istanbul! From the inside it’s like a mix of west and east feels. Like a church and mosque hybrid.

A very majestic and super beautiful mosque! Rich of history (which i don’t remember), and a huge building. No entrance fee and yet this place is super clean and comfy and well maintained.

Highly recommended area to visit when you came to IstanbulVery nice and relaxing place

There’s something truly special about this place. Part of it is the amazing history behind it. Seeing the meticulous construction and design once you get in will give you tingles. It really feels like stepping back into a different age.

Ayasofya is a must visit place in Istanbul. The world-famous Ayasofya is a domed building. Although it was built more than 1500 years ago, its beauty remains the same.

Amazing structure - I came today to pray in Sultan Ahmet mosque. It is always wonderful to visit and very close to Sultanahmet mosque. You can appreciate everything here. Always a must when I come to Istanbul.

Its a very beautiful and welcoming place. There are a lot of different local Turkish dishes to try, especially around the entrance. The compound is beautiful with interesting architecture and the mosque itself is a sight to behold. Before entering the mosque, women are required to wear a head scarf. If you didnt come with one, theres a shop that sells some scarfs where you can easily purchase one. Before entering the mosque itself, all visitors are mandated to remove their shoes and there are shoe racks available in which you can keep the shoes. The intricate design of the inside of the mosque is mesmerising.

The Hagia Sophia that stands today was originally built as the cathedral for the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire in the sixth century, and became a mosque in 1453 with the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. It remained a Muslim house of worship until the early 20th century, when the Turkish government secularized the Hagia Sofia and turned it into a museum in 1934. More than 50 years later, UNESCO included Hagia Sophia as part of its Historic Areas of Istanbul World Heritage Site.

Stunning place, you can fill the history in every corner, absolutely must see !!!

Very impressive architectural skills considering it was built a long time ago.Built as a church converted into a mosque then museum it’s remarkable

I feel the Hagia Sophia should be one of the seven wonders of the World. It is just such an incredible place and a must visit for all of us if we are fortunate enough. It is great that there is no entrance fee and you can return again and again. The history is truly incredible and it is hard to imagine just all of the events that occurred on these grounds.

My favorite mosque by farrrrr. You definitely cannot miss it. Byzantine and ottoman architecture is a one in life time sight see. DO NOT MISS IT. I’ve visited over 3 times and I never got bored of it

An amazing place. You can feel the history when you are inside. Make sure to notice the floor in the doorway that has been worn down from foot traffic!

It is a magnificent monument left over from the Constantinople of the 1200s to the Ottoman Empire and Turkey, a symbol for Istanbul, which has hosted great empires, close to the hippodrome and the Blue Mosque, the entrance is free as it is a mosque, for women it is obligatory to cover their hair with a veil. Its more about respect, I took photos for you

To think that I was standing in the same building where Emperor Constantine, Mehmed the Conqueror, etc stood was mind-blowing. A building thats nearly 1500 years old, to think that they built it this beautifully then - 🤯🤯. How did they engineer this structure? What math did they use? All these questions which I dont have answers to, but just thought about and wondered while I was there. The picture at the entrance of this mosque where The Hagia Sofia is being gifted to Virgin Mary along with Constantinople itself is something I wouldnt find anywhere else.

A must see with free entry. Be aware of prayer times and wear appropriate clothing. Girls should bring a scarf or hijab (or anything to cover your hair). Guys and girls need to have their legs covered also.

Breathtaking and stunning mosque with splendid interior and exterior craftsmanship of the highest quality. Definitely a must visit for all who visit İstanbul.

Awesome placeThe history smillHagia Sophia Tickets: Priority Entry, Tour and Audio GuideSkip ticketing queues for a 30min guided tour with an English-speaking guide.€15Duration: 30 MinsMobile TicketsInstant ConfirmationGuided TourFree Cancellation

Monument of Historic Magnificence. Heights, Depths, Widths,vastness with History Written in Fabric of this Place. Was Awestruck with the People who Worked to Build this Church and Artists who Did The Artwork. The Historical Aspect of This Church Conquered My Mehmet left a Very Deep interest in Human Endeavour. The Best place to visit and Revisit

If you want to see inside hagia sophia, it s better in the night where it is quite and free.but please keep silent since many people are doing sholat (pray) in the mosque

Absolutely beautiful and so worth the visit. Free entry, 5 lira if you need to buy a head or shoulder covering. Stunning architecture, and definitely a must to see in Istanbul

Mashallah what an amazing mosque and beautiful scenery inside and outside, so much scenery, one of the most beautiful mosques I seen in my life. And right next to the blue mosque. Free to go in both places love it

One of the most incredible places I’ve ever experienced. Standing in the vestibule before the entry doors, I just broke down and cried, it was so moving. The history…knowing you are standing in the spot where Charlemagne stood is just overwhelming. It is a must visit on any journey to this part of the world.

Beautiful and magnificent architecture! Historical value!! Really magical place, need to visit, really must see destination!

Hagia Sophia Holy Grand Mosque, probably the most iconic landmark of Istanbul and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. In early July 2020, Hagia Sophia became a mosque. Since then, it is free of charge to visit. According to the schedule presented by Google, Saturdays and Sundays the mosque is closed. However, I was able to visit on a Saturday.

I was speechless by the majesty of this church... However, the entry is not organized at all... We are in a touristic relatively hot city, where you are not allowed to go in with a T shirt and a short. We had to buy coats and head scarfs to enter...

It was super crowded and hot that day, but there is nothing that can dampen the beauty of this mosque and its history. I only wish I could have gotten closer to everything to see in more details.

Hagia Sophia, build almost fifteen hundred years ago, is situated on the imperial site of ancient Constantinople. It’s meaning, translated from Greek - the language of reason and knowledge- is Holly Wisdom.Commissioned by Emperor Justinian, the Hagia Sophia long served as the main church in Christendom, being the biggest house of worship at the height of the Eastern Roman Empire.Many other religious buildings have been modeled on the Hagia Sophia, a true testament to its grandeur and uniqueness in world architectural history.

Amazing place, full of history! As you walk around , you can feel how sacred it is. The surroundings around you are very beautiful and it is interesting to see Byzantine and ottoman influence in one place.

Marvellous, stuning, breathtaking. A must see cultural heritage site to visit in Istanbul. Revommended to go their at evening (especially around midnight), because in that time is not so crowded.

One must visit Hagia Sophia in his lifetime. This place is crucial for the worlds history and a true architectural wonder. You can spend hours just admiring this wonder.The entrance is free, but be aware that you cannot enter with short trousers. Also, its not recommeneable to visit it during the prayer.However, I find it extremely sad that it was turned into a mosque and cant understand why the icons of Jesus and Holy Mary are veiled - this is utter madness and shameful!

A beautiful Mosque with breathtaking views of Istanbul! Definitely recommend having a guide with you to fully understand the magnitude of the history and beauty! So grateful I got to see this Mosque in person. They offer hijabs to cover your hair with at the door if you did not bring one. They are only necessary inside the building.

I just love this mosque. İts really impossible to express my exact feelings. Whenever I go there, i feel so small, i can feel the supremacy of Allah. I feel inner peace praying there

Piece of art combining both east with west. History at its finest moment. Worth visiting while in Istanbul.

Im happy that i had a chance to visit this amazing mosque and very proud to prey there.

Mixed culture fabulous architecture well maintained very well kept clean and respect for holy place.

Perfect, must be visited every trip to IstanbolHagia Sophia Holy Grand Mosque, the most iconic landmark of Istanbul and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. In early July 2020, Hagia Sophia became a mosque. Since then, it is free of charge to visit. According to the schedule presented by Google, Saturdays and Sundays the mosque is closed. However, I was able to visit on a Saturday.

Magnificent, historic place you have to visit.

The lighting adds more spectaculars. Youd appreciate more if you know the history associated with the building. The visitors are asked to leave when the prayer services start.

Amazing place, one of the most important attractions of Istanbul and very rich in history and controversy as well, i visited this place before it was turned into a mosque and after it was turned into a mosque as well, it’s simply just amazing and it’s a must to anyone visiting Istanbul to go to this place and admire the beauty and history of this unique place.

Great place to visit in IstanbulHistoryArt of engineering

One of the places in Istanbul should see. the mosque of hagia sophia is a beautiful mosque here before the church has been the museum and now turned into the mosque.When you go to the mosque, visit from the upper floor. The chandeliers have a very beautiful view from above.

Not sure why they should turn this into a mosque again and not just preserve it as a museum, but still its an iconic building that you have to visit while in Istanbul. Although you have to take off your shoes and wear a scarf and have a proper dress but its worth it I guess.

I think this is the most extravagant mosque in Istanbul, maybe the biggest one. The atmoshpere is nice but keep in mind that you need to take off your shoes in order to enter the mosque. Try to be silent and polite inside as there are people praying almost all the timeEntrance: freeInside: nice and cold compared with the 30° degree C from outside

It’s a heavenly experience . I have seen lot of non Muslims sitting and meditating . What a great construction first as a church later converted to mosque . Need to spend a good time analyzing how the built this beauty .

Must visit place! Where you can see the history from the walls and enjoy the atmosphere.

One of the most beautiful places Ive ever seen, incredible architecture and design. Flawless as an icon

Absolutely beautiful and majestic. It is sure a treat to visit for history lovers. It has such an ancient vibe that put people in awe.

A bit expensive but really worth it. Sadly we where not allowed to take photos on our trip.

The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque / Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i Şerifi, with its innovative architecture, rich history, religious significance and extraordinary characteristics has been fighting against time for centuries, was the largest Eastern Roman Church in Istanbul. Constructed three times in the same location, it is the world’s oldest and fastest-completed cathedral. With its breathtaking domes that look like hanging in the air, monolithic marble columns and unparalleled mosaics, is one of the wonders of world’s architecture history. The sheer dazzling beauty of mosque with its magnificent play on space, light, and color provokes worship in the believer! Hagia Sophia pose on the ground of the first hill of Istanbul, precisely at the tip of the historic peninsula, surrounded by the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn on three sides.

From the 101 list any tourist needs to visit during their visit to Istanbul when it changed into a mosque some of its parts got closed still one can visit when it isnt the prayer time and sit inside take pictures and so on it is very beautiful though it waa more fun when one was able to do a full tour inside the mosque

Architecture is amazing and beautifully designed sanctuaries ago.It can be crowded in after noon time.Better to visit in morning as it will be less crowded.Ladies should take scarfs and no short clothes allowed for Both genders.Try to skip Fridays during noon time as it was very busy due to Fridays prayer.

Pretty cool if you are into history. Heres my one tip. When you enter there is a cashier on your left mainly for this very old church. There is nothing much in it but my wife wanted to see it anyway. We ended up buying tickets for the whole place there however. Later we passed the main cashier and there was a huge line, which we were able to avoid having already bought tickets.

Amazing history and structure. We did not take a tour but rather sat down and youtubed the history and it was a great idea.

A must see if IstanbulIncredible place, full of history.

Sophia is astonishing, sadly Turkish government turned it back from museum to mosque. Now historical marble floor is totally covered with carpet... But entry is free

It was great to see this historical place. Dont get fooled by the photographers and just spend 10 minutes there. You cant wear shorts or sleeveless. Ladies will have to cover their head with a piece of clothing which you will get at the gate for free.

Very big and exciting mosque!! Historical place with its authentic view.. must visit if you are in Istanbul. But ladies must wear long skirt or pants and cover a head.Or they sell coverall coat, so ladies can enter inside.

Hagia Sophia Mosque located in Turkey, Istanbul. It was built-in AD 537. That time it was Church. After that it wS converted into a Mosque. This is one of the must visited place in Istanbul. You can find outstanding architecture history. If you are history enthusiastic person then definitely you need to visit this beautiful monument.

A glorious mosque. The visitor can feel the spirit of Sultan Muhammad Al Fatih in the place.

As a Catholic, it was so beautiful for me to pray here and to come to see a mosque that was once a Byzantine Catholic Church. It was so breathtaking to see the mosaics of the Virgin Mary. Truly amazing.

Love this.... Sacred building for all history inside, and magnificent arquitecture, atmosphere,... Not enough words...

Amazing structure - I came today for Fajr prayer. It is always wonderful to visit but today was special since it was so early. You can appreciate everything here in a calmer setting. Always a must when I come to Istanbul. You will always find our feline friends here too.

Salam to everyone. It’s very good place to visit with family and learn about history. Good nice place must visit when ever get chance to visit Istanbul.

Such a beautiful place to visit. This mosque is now open 24 hours so be sure to visit late at night. It is beautifully lit and much less people.

Absolutely stunning mosque with incredible architecture and design. Very spiritually awakening place, definitely recommend 🙏🏻

A great place filled with a mix of religious cultures and art and architectures.

This is an amazing historical place , I learned many things during our visit .

Magnificent architecture. Spiritually uplifting. 😇

Stunning building with own atmosphere. For women, shoulders and legs should be covered.

I walked around and see it as nothing special to be honest. But maybe I go inside and surprise myself.

Thats a place with an interesting history. It was first a church and then it turned into a mosque but, as you can see, the images on the walls have been renovated. Revealing the images is a hard and precise work. Its a huge building with some surprises. Like the cat you can see on the photos I share but maybe thats not a surprise considering the fact there are a lot of cats in Istanbul. On the last photo you can see a small hole. The legend says that if you can turn you thumb without any interruptions and without changing the position of your hand, it will bring you good luck. Good luck with trying that! ;)

Beautiful... Culture and history all together in one place... Very organized... Must see in istanbul... U can bring ur cover up dress or buy it with 20liars

What a spiritual place! I loved this place. You have to not wear a short pants as the security man will not allow you to get there. For females they should wear scarf you cant go without Hijab.

Too many tourists. I think that situation on Blue Mosque or Camlidze dzami is better from organisation side.. As a object is Unique

Fortunetly,I visited as a musem and as mosqueA great place

You feel all the history is gather in one place.

I am really glad to be back in Hagia Sophia again but this time its definitely deferent. It was museum when I visited last time. Now it is mousqe again after hundreds of years. I would thank Mr. Erdughan for the powerful action. However, I have enjoyed praying here and I will certainly appreciate the chance. I recommend that whoever visite Istanbul to see this mousqe.

A beautiful place, rich in so much history.

Love it so much, pray subuh in this masjid

Praise be to GOD ALLAH, who has enabled us to perform Al Maghrab prayers in the Great Camii of Hagia Sophia. The Camii location is wonderful. Everyone who comes to Istanbul should visit it and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere at the wonderful place in European side of Istanbul .

Its one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, despite an unprepossessing exterior. And with an amazing 1500-year history. Its a mosque again now, but visitors are welcome to enjoy its beauty and tranquility outside prayer time. Definitely a bucket list must-visit. Go!

Extraordinary architecture and given that the time it was built makes it that much more extraordinary.