Hagia Sophia (Outer Explanation) Guided Tour

Istanbul E-pass includes the Hagia Sophia Outer Explanation Tour with an English-speaking professional Guide. For details, please check "Hours & Meeting". To enter the Museum there will be an additional 28 Euros fee can be purchased directly entrance of the museum.

Hagia Sophia of Istanbul

Imagine a building standing in the same place for 1500 years, the number one temple for two religions. The headquarters of Orthodox Christendom and the first mosque in Istanbul. It was constructed within only 5 years. Its dome was the biggest dome with 55.60 in height and 31.87 diameters for 800 years in the world. Depictions of the religions side by side. Coronation place for the Roman Emperors. It was the meeting place of the Sultan and his people. That is the famous Hagia Sophia of Istanbul.

What time does Hagia Sophia open?

It is open every day between 09:00 - 19:00.

Is there any entrance fee to the Hagia Sophia Mosque?

Yes, there is. The entrance fee is 28 Euros per person.

Where is the Hagia Sophia located?

It is located in the heart of the old city. It is easy to access with the public transportation.

From the old city hotels; Get the T1 tram to Sultanahmet tram station. From there it takes 5 minutes of walk to arrive there.

From Taksim hotels; Get the funicular (F1 line) from the Taksim Square to Kabatas. From there, take the T1 tram to Sultanahmet tram station. It is 2-3 minutes walk from the tram station to reach there.

From Sultanahmet Hotels; It is within walking distance from most hotels in the Sultanahmet area.

How long does it take to visit the Hagia Sophia and what is the best time?

You can visit within 15-20 minutes on your own. Guided tours take around 30 minutes from outside. There are lots of little details in this building. As it is functioning as a mosque right now, one should be aware of the praying times. Early morning would be an excellent time to pay a visit there.

Hagia Sophia History

The majority of travelers mix the famous Blue Mosque with Hagia Sophia. Including the Topkapi Palace, one of the most visited sites in Istanbul, these three buildings are on UNESCO´s heritage list. Being opposite to each other, the most significant difference between these buildings is the number of the minarets. A minaret is a tower on the side of the mosque. This tower’s primary purpose is to make the call to prayer in the old days before the microphone system. The Blue Mosque has 6 minarets. Hagia Sophia has 4 minarets. Aside from the number of minarets, another difference is the history. Blue Mosque is an Ottoman construction, whereas Hagia Sophia is older and is a Roman construction, with the difference between them being about 1100 years.

How did Hagia Sophia get its name?

The building is known by various names depending on the region and language. In Turkish, it is referred to as Ayasofya, while in English, it is often mistakenly called St. Sophia. This causes confusion, as many believe the name is derived from a saint named Sophia. However, the original name, Hagia Sophia, comes from ancient Greek, meaning "Divine Wisdom." This name reflects the building’s dedication to Jesus Christ, symbolizing His divine wisdom rather than honoring a specific saint.

Before being known as Hagia Sophia, the original name of the structure was Megalo Ecclesia, which translates to "Great Church" or "Mega Church." This title represented its status as the central church of Orthodox Christianity. Inside the building, visitors can still marvel at the intricate mosaics, one of which depicts Justinian I presenting a model of the church and Constantine the Great offering a model of the city to Jesus and Mary—a tradition in the Roman era for emperors who commissioned grand structures.

From the Ottoman era, Hagia Sophia also features magnificent calligraphy, most notably the holy names of Islam, which adorned the building for over 150 years. This combination of Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy highlights the building's transition between two major religions and cultures.

Did a Viking leave his mark on Hagia Sophia?

An intriguing piece of history lies in the form of Viking graffiti found in Hagia Sophia. During the 11th century, a Viking soldier named Haldvan etched his name into one of the galleries on the second floor of the building. This ancient graffiti is still visible today, providing a glimpse into the diverse visitors who passed through Hagia Sophia over the centuries. Haldvan’s mark is a reminder of the Norsemen's presence in Byzantine Constantinople, where they often served as mercenaries in the Varangian Guard, protecting Byzantine emperors.

How many Hagia Sophias were built throughout history?

Throughout history, there were 3 Hagia Sophias. Constantine the Great gave the order for the first church in the 4th century AD, right after he declared Istanbul as the Roman Empire´s capital city. He wanted to show the glory of the new religion, so the first church was a significant construction. However, since the church was made of wood, it was destroyed in a fire.

As the first church was destroyed, Theodosius II ordered the second church. Construction began in the 5th century, but this church was demolished during the Nika Riots in the 6th century.

The final construction started in the year 532 and was completed in 537. Within a short 5-year construction period, the building began functioning as a church. Some records say that 10,000 people worked on the construction to complete it in such a short time. The architects were Isidorus of Miletos and Anthemius of Tralles, both from the western side of Turkey.

How did Hagia Sophia transition from a church to a mosque?

After its construction, the building functioned as a church until the Ottoman Era. The Ottoman Empire conquered the city of Istanbul in 1453. Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror gave the order for Hagia Sophia to be turned into a mosque. With the Sultan's order, the faces of the mosaics inside the building were covered, minarets were added, and a new Mihrab (the niche indicating the direction of Makkah) was installed. Until the Republic period, the building served as a mosque. In 1935, this historic mosque was converted into a museum by order of the parliament.

Once it became a museum, the faces of the mosaics were uncovered once again. Visitors today can still see the symbols of two religions side by side, making it an excellent place to understand tolerance and togetherness.

What changes occurred in 2020 when Hagia Sophia reopened as a mosque?

In 2020, Hagia Sophia underwent a significant transformation when it was officially reverted from a museum to a functioning mosque by a presidential decree. This marked the third time in its long history that Hagia Sophia had been used as a place of worship, returning to its Islamic roots after serving as a museum for 85 years. Like all mosques in Turkey, visitors can now enter the building between morning and night prayers. The decision was met with both domestic and international reactions, as Hagia Sophia holds great cultural and religious significance for both Christians and Muslims.

What is the dress code for visiting Hagia Sophia?

When visiting Hagia Sophia, it’s essential to follow the traditional dress code observed at all mosques in Turkey. Women are required to cover their hair and wear long skirts or loose trousers to maintain modesty, while men should ensure that their shorts fall below the knee. Additionally, all visitors should remove their shoes before entering the prayer area.

During its period as a museum, prayers were not allowed within the building. However, since it resumed its role as a mosque, prayers can now be performed freely during designated times. Whether you are visiting as a tourist or to pray, Hagia Sophia’s new function has created a space where both worshippers and sightseers can appreciate its deep religious and historical significance.

What was the Hagia Sophia before it became a mosque?

Before Hagia Sophia became a mosque, it was a Christian cathedral known as the Church of Hagia Sophia, which means "Holy Wisdom" in Greek. The building was commissioned by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and completed in 537 AD. It was the world's largest cathedral for nearly 1,000 years and served as the center of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, playing a vital role in religious and political life in the Byzantine Empire. The structure was renowned for its massive dome and innovative architectural design, symbolizing the empire’s wealth and power.

In 1453, when the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople (now Istanbul), Sultan Mehmed II converted the cathedral into a mosque. During this transition, Islamic features such as minarets, a mihrab (prayer niche), and calligraphic panels were added, while some Christian mosaics were covered or removed. This marked the beginning of Hagia Sophia's long history as a mosque, which continued until it became a museum in 1935.

What are the differences between Hagia Sophia, Aya Sophia, and Saint Sophia?

Though the names Hagia Sophia, Aya Sophia, and Saint Sophia are often used interchangeably, they refer to the same structure but in different linguistic contexts:

• Hagia Sophia: This is the Greek name, which translates to "Holy Wisdom." It is the most commonly used term internationally, particularly in historical and academic discussions.
• Aya Sophia: This is the Turkish version of the name, adopted after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. It is widely used within Turkey and among Turkish speakers.
• Saint Sophia: This is a translation used mainly in Western languages and contexts. It reflects the same meaning – "Holy Wisdom" – but the "Saint" term is more common in English-speaking countries.

Despite these variations in name, they all refer to the same iconic building in Istanbul, known for its rich history as a Christian cathedral, a mosque, and now a significant cultural symbol.

What is the Hagia Sophia now – a mosque or a museum?

As of July 2020, the Hagia Sophia has once again become a mosque. This change was announced following a Turkish court ruling that revoked its status as a museum, a status it had held since 1935, under a secular government led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The decision to revert it to a mosque has sparked both domestic and international debate due to the building's cultural and historical significance for multiple religions.

While it functions as a mosque today, Hagia Sophia remains open to visitors of all faiths, much like many other mosques in Turkey. However, changes have been made, such as covering some Christian iconography during prayers. Despite the shift in its religious role, Hagia Sophia still holds immense value as a historical monument, reflecting both its Christian Byzantine and Islamic Ottoman past.

What is inside the Hagia Sophia?

Inside the Hagia Sophia, you can see a fascinating blend of Christian and Islamic art and architecture that reflects the building’s complex history. Key features include:

• The Dome: The central dome, one of the largest in the world, is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, rising over 55 meters above the floor. Its grandeur and height create a sense of awe for visitors.
• Christian Mosaics: While many mosaics were covered or removed during the Ottoman period, several Byzantine mosaics depicting Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and various saints have been uncovered and restored, providing a glimpse into the building’s time as a cathedral.
• Islamic Calligraphy: Large circular panels inscribed with Arabic calligraphy feature prominently in the interior. These inscriptions include the names of Allah, Muhammad, and the first four caliphs of Islam, added during its time as a mosque.
• Mihrab and Minbar: The mihrab (the niche that indicates the direction of Mecca) and minbar (the pulpit) were added when Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. These are essential components for Muslim prayers.
• Marble Columns and Walls: Hagia Sophia is also famous for its use of colored marble from across the Byzantine Empire, contributing to the overall grandeur of the structure.

The interior represents a unique architectural and cultural blend, symbolizing both Byzantine and Ottoman artistic traditions.

What architectural style is the Hagia Sophia known for?

Hagia Sophia is a renowned example of Byzantine architecture, with its most famous feature being the massive dome that dominates the structure. This style is characterized by its use of:

• Central Domes: The innovative design of Hagia Sophia’s central dome, which seems to float above the nave, was a major architectural achievement for its time. It influenced the design of later Ottoman mosques, including the Blue Mosque.
• Pendentives: These triangular structures allowed for the placement of the large dome on a rectangular base, a key innovation that defined Byzantine architecture.
• Use of Light: The architects skillfully incorporated windows at the base of the dome, giving the illusion that the dome is suspended from heaven. This use of light to create a sense of divinity became a hallmark of Byzantine religious buildings.
• Mosaics and Marble: The intricate mosaics and richly colored marble walls reflect the luxury and symbolism of the Byzantine Empire, focusing on religious themes and iconography.

This architectural style greatly influenced the Ottoman architects who later converted it into a mosque, leading to its unique blend of Byzantine and Islamic elements.

Why is Hagia Sophia important to both Christians and Muslims?

Hagia Sophia holds deep significance for both Christians and Muslims due to its role in the religious history of both faiths. For Christians, it was the world’s largest cathedral for almost 1,000 years and served as the center of the Eastern Orthodox Church. It was the site of important religious ceremonies, including the coronation of Byzantine emperors, and its mosaics of Christ and the Virgin Mary are revered symbols of the Christian faith.

For Muslims, after the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque by Sultan Mehmed II, symbolizing the triumph of Islam over the Byzantine Empire. The building became a model for future Ottoman mosque architecture, inspiring many of Istanbul’s most famous mosques, such as the Süleymaniye and Blue Mosque. The addition of Islamic calligraphy, the mihrab, and the minarets reflected its new Islamic identity.

Hagia Sophia represents the intersection of two major world religions and is a powerful symbol of both Christian and Islamic cultural heritage. Its continued use and preservation reflect its role as a bridge between the past and present, East and West, and two of the world’s great religious traditions.

The Final Word

While you are in Istanbul, missing a visit to Hagia Sophia, a historical wonder, is something you may regret later. Hagia Sophia is not just a monument but a representation of various religious cultures. It holds immense significance, being sought after by every major religion. Standing under the tombs of such a powerful building will take you on a venerated tour of history. Avail of amazing discounts by starting your majestic tour with an Istanbul E-pass.