Discover the Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with priority access. Upgrade your experience by adding an informative audio guideOnce the largest cathedral in the world, this architectural masterpiece was commissioned by Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century and served as the Byzantine Empire’s most important religious site. Following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, it underwent a transformation into a mosque, incorporating new features such as minarets and Islamic calligraphy. In the 20th century, it was turned into a museum and later back into a mosque in 2020.The multilingual audio guide will lead you through each section of Hagia Sophia, unravelling its history and architectural nuances. As you delve deeper into your exploration, you'll uncover how it seamlessly merges elements of Byzantine Christian architecture with Islamic design, making it a symbol of cultural fusion.
Browse Istanbul by category - skip-the-line tickets, walking tours, day trips, food experiences & more