Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya) istanbul

Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites, Historic Sites, History Museums

Construction completed on Hagia Sophia in 537AD. Initially Hagia Sophia was a church until 1453 when it became a mosque. Since 1935 Hagia Sophia has been a museum and today it is a world heritage site. According to the museum website the museum received 3.3 million visitors in 2013 so expect it to be crowded.

This is somewhere not to miss and there are religious images on the walls and ceiling as well as Viking graffiti upstairs.

The museum is undergoing renovation so there was a lot of scaffolding up in one area when we visited. Hagia Sophia stands opposite the Blue Mosque and the site of them together is breathtaking. There are benches and a fountain where you can sit and admire the view both during the day and at night time when the fountain changes colour.

Tips
Hagia Sophia is closed every Monday.
At time of writing entrance is 30TL.
Take your camera as there are some great photo opportunities.
The queue is longer in the mornings than the afternoons.
Flash photography is not permitted in all areas.
Take your guide book with you so that you know what you are looking at once inside!
If you wish to visit the tombs you will need to be modestly dressed and women will need a headscarf.
The museum pass costing 85TL (at time of writing) includes entry to Hagia Sophia.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293974-d294497-Reviews-Hagia_Sophia_Museum_Church_Ayasofya-Istanbul.html