Hagia Sophia stands at the very heart of Istanbul’s Byzantine legacy. Built as the great cathedral of Constantinople, later transformed into an imperial Ottoman mosque, and used as a museum throughout much of the 20th century, it has functioned again as a mosque since 2020. Today, entry for prayer is free, while touristic visits follow a separate route and require a Hagia … [Read more...] about Hagia Sophia Ticket Price & Visiting Hours (2026 Update)
Hagia Sophia
Byzantine Mosaics in Hagia Sophia (Latest News) 2025
The mosaics in Hagia Sophia are the traces of a lost civilization that have survived to the present day. Hagia Sophia was built in 537 and remained a church for 900 years. However, the mosaics inside were controversial even in those years. After 1453, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman period and remained a mosque for about 500 years. The building … [Read more...] about Byzantine Mosaics in Hagia Sophia (Latest News) 2025
Hagia Sophia Architecture, History, Facts (Updated 2025)
Hagia Sophia is undoubtedly one of the structures that changed the history of architecture. It remained as the world’s biggest monotheistic temple for 1000 years. Hagia Sophia served as a church for 900 years, and as a mosque for 500 years and then as a museum for 85 years. As an experienced tour guide who has assisted various local and foreign visitors who visit Hagia … [Read more...] about Hagia Sophia Architecture, History, Facts (Updated 2025)
