Church, mosque, museum and mosque again: the Byzantine domed building of 537 in Istanbul, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Areas of Istanbul".
Interesting facts
- The Hagia Sophia was built in just over five years (532–537).
- Today's dome is about six metres higher than the first one.
- For more than 500 years it was the largest church in the world.
- From 1935 to 2020 it was a museum.
Why visit
- A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture
- Traces of Christian and Islamic history under one dome
- In the heart of Istanbul's World Heritage old town
The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is one of the best-known buildings in the world. Emperor Justinian I had it built as a church: the foundation stone was laid on 23 February 532, and it was consecrated on 27 December 537. Its architects were Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus.
Its huge dome – about 31 to 33 metres across and some 55 metres high, with 40 windows around its base – collapsed after earthquakes in 558. Isidore the Younger rebuilt it about six metres higher by 562. For more than 500 years the Hagia Sophia was the largest church in the world.
After the Ottoman conquest on 29 May 1453 it became a mosque, and minarets were added – there are four today. In 1934 the Turkish government decided to turn it into a museum. Since 2020 it has again been used as a mosque. Byzantine mosaics survive, including a group from the 9th century. Since 1985 the Hagia Sophia has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Historic Areas of Istanbul”.
History
Foundation stone 23 February 532, consecrated 27 December 537 under Justinian I, dome collapse in 558, new dome 558–562, Latin church 1204–1261, Ottoman conquest on 29 May 1453 and conversion into a mosque, 1934 decision to make it a museum (1935–2020), a mosque again since 2020. UNESCO World Heritage since 1985.
Special features
Byzantine domed building with a dome about 31–33 m across and some 55 m high (40 windows), four minarets, Byzantine mosaics.
Practical information
- Suitable for
- Visitors interested in history and architecture, Istanbul travellers.
- Getting there
- In Istanbul's old town. The Hagia Sophia is used as a mosque; please check current visiting rules, times and any admission fee with official sources beforehand and dress appropriately.
Details may change. Please check current information with the operator before your visit.
Map
Opens an external route planner. Please check access and opening times before you set off.
Sources
Image: Arild Vågen · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
