Hagia Sophia Mosque
The UNESCO World Heritage Site Hagia Sophia is an iconic Istanbul landmark. It represents the city's rich history and culture and is a religious and cultural monument for all religions.
In this guide, you can find the most important information about Hagia Sophia, including its history, the dress code, hours, and more.
HISTORY / ARCHITECTURE
About Hagia Sophia Mosque
The Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and major landmark of Istanbul, was originally built in the 6th century CE as a Christian church. Golden mosaics, marble interiors, and a sizable central dome are some of its architectural highlights.
The structure seen today is the second version of Hagia Sophia. The original church was damaged by fire in 404 CE, then rebuilt under Emperor Justinian I as a larger and more magnificent basilica that became a major center of Orthodox Christianity.
After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. It later became a museum in 1931, and since 2020 it has once again functioned as a mosque open for worship and visitors.
Hagia Sophia stands today as a symbol of Istanbul’s layered history and shared heritage, welcoming Muslims, Christians, and people of all faiths and cultures.
→ Learn more about Hagia Sophia’s history on our dedicated page.
Dress Code for Visiting Hagia Sophia Mosque
Here are the clothing guidelines for entering Hagia Sophia:
- Women: must wear knee-length or longer skirts or full-length trousers, as well as a top that covers the shoulders and arms. A headscarf is required.
- Men: must wear trousers or knee-length shorts and a shirt or t-shirt with sleeves. Sleeveless tops and short shorts are not permitted.
- Children: Children under the age of eight are generally exempt from the dress code.
- All visitors: Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque area. You may leave them on the shoe rack or bring a small bag to carry them with you.
Failure to follow the dress code may result in you being denied entry to Hagia Sophia.
Quick Facts About Hagia Sophia Mosque
- Original Name: Hagia Sophia (Greek: Holy Wisdom)
- Turkish Name: Ayasofya Camii
- Construction: Built between 532 and 537
- Architects: Isidore of Miletus, Anthemius of Tralles; later restoration by Mimar Sinan
- Architectural Style: Byzantine architecture
- Size: approx. 18,000 m² and 55.6 m in height
- Visitors: Over 6 Million visitors annually [Source: DailySabah]
- Address: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
Things to Know About the Hagia Sophia Mosque
See below a quick overview of essential information for your visit to Hagia Sophia:
Current Visitor Rules as of January 15, 2024
As of January 15, 2024, there are new guidelines to visit Hagia Sophia:
- Foreign visitors may only access the upper gallery (second floor) due to restoration and preservation measures.
- Admission Fee: €25 for all visitors, including Turkish citizens and foreigners who have a legal residence permit in Turkey.
- First floor is free only for Turkish citizens.
- Children younger than 8 are allowed in for free.
- Museum Pass, Müzekart, Pass Istanbul are not valid.
- Audio guide available via QR app in 23 languages for a small fee
- Entrance: The gallery area can now only be accessed through the gate in front of the main gate of Topkapi Palace and the water fountain.
Important to Know:
- The main prayer hall on the ground floor is not open for sightseeing
- The gallery level is not wheelchair accessible.
- Restrooms are not available for gallery visitors.
- Muslim visitors may enter for prayer free of charge via the Sultanahmet-facing gate during prayer times.
- As Hagia Sophia is an active mosque, all visitors must follow the dress code.
- Scarves, skirts, and headphones are available for a fee at the ticket office for visitors who need them.
→ Discover what to expect inside Hagia Sophia
Where is the Hagia Sophia Mosque located?
The Hagia Sophia Mosque is located in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Square, next to the Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace.
Address: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
How Much are the Hagia Sophia Ticket Prices?
Entry to Hagia Sophia's upper gallery for touristic visits costs €25 for everyone, including Turkish citizens and foreign residents.
The mosque's prayer section has been open for prayers for free since 2020.
How Long Does a Visit to Hagia Sophia Take?
A self-guided visit to the Hagia Sophia generally takes around 30 minutes.
With a guided tour, expect about 1 to 1.5 hours.
When is The Best Time to Visit the Hagia Sophia?
For the most relaxed experience, visit early in the morning.
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays are usually the least crowded, while Fridays and Saturdays tend to be the busiest.
Plan Your Visit to the Hagia Sophia Mosque
Location
Hagia Sophia Mosque is located in Sultanahmet Square, behind Topkapı Palace and Hagia Irene Church.
It is situated directly across from the Hagia Sophia History Museum and the Blue Mosque.
Address: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
Getting to Hagia Sophia
- Walk: Located in Sultanahmet Square, you can walk from the Grand Bazaar in 25 minutes.
- Tram: Sultanahmet and Gülhane
station.
- Marmaray: Sirkeci Station, just a 15-minute walk away
- Bus: 18-minute walk away at Sarayburnu Station.
- Taxi: Generally not recommended due to traffic and square restrictions.
Opening Hours of Hagia Sophia
Visiting Hours: 09.00 - 20.30*
Last entry at: 19.30
Hagia Sophia has been open for worship 24/7 since 2020.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning; Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays
Avoid busiest times: Friday noon prayers and Saturdays.
* Everyday open for tourist 09.00 - 20.30 (Last entry 19.30)
Save time with these skip-the-line entry tickets to Hagia Sophia, including an audio guide in 23 languages. Marvel at the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. + more details
Explore the Hagia Sophia with a local expert on a guided tour, then skip the queues to explore the interior of its breathtaking upper gallery with an audio guide. + more details
Discover 3 of Istanbul's most famous monuments with this combined tour. Avoid the queues at the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia, and visit the Blue Mosque with an English-speaking guide. + more details
Most Popular Combo Tickets
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Combo Ticket with the Hagia Sophia Museum
Your complete experience passes to discover the fascinating history of Hagia Sophia: mosque and interactive museum. + more details
Frequently Asked Questions About Hagia Sophia Mosque
The best way to reach Hagia Sophia is via tram or metro. If travelling by tram, take tram line T1 to Sultanahmet Square, and for the metro, take the M2 line to Sultanahmet Station. >> Read more: How to get to Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
Yes, you can take pictures inside Hagia Sophia but avoid taking pictures of people who are praying.
Yes, there is a dress code at Hagia Sophia. Since the Hagia Sophia Mosque is a place of prayer, all guests are expected to avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Women must wear a headscarf to enter; you can find one with a charge near the entrance. You must also leave your shoes outside before entering. Learn more about the dress code here.
Hagia Sophia offers limited wheelchair accessibility. The ground floor prayer area can be accessed with a wheelchair, but the upper gallery (second floor), which is where tourist visits take place under current regulations, has ramps only in certain sections and is not fully accessible due to stairways and structural constraints. Wheelchair users may be able to reach parts of the gallery, but full access cannot be guaranteed.
This website is not the official venue's website. This website is giving you only an overview of the available tours.
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