Hagia Sophia Mosque

5.0

6632 ratings

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Андросов

Level 21 Local Expert

Absolute architectural marvel that leaves you speechless. Even with the 25 EUR entry fee per person, the experience of witnessing such history is worth every cent. While the ground floor is currently reserved for worshipers and visitors are guided through the magnificent upper galleries, the perspective from above is actually breathtaking. You get a unique, bird's-eye view of the stunning mosaics and the massive dome. The atmosphere is solemn and grand a true bucket-list destination that lives up to its legendary reputation!

Владимир Чурсин

Level 7 Local Expert

Очень красиво

Curdin

Level 24 Local Expert

Even just from the outside, Hagia Sophia is breathtaking. A true architectural marvel with deep historical significance. While I haven’t been inside yet, its exterior alone makes it worth the visit. There’s often some construction around, but it doesn’t take away from the majestic atmosphere.

Lima Maksud

Level 7 Local Expert

Hagia Sophia is one of the most impressive places I’ve ever visited❤️. The building is huge and stunning inside and out, with so much history behind it. The mix of cultures and architecture makes it really unique. It can be a bit crowded, but it’s absolutely worth it — a must-visit when you’re in Istanbul.

Дарья Москвина

Level 8 Local Expert

Быть в Турции и не посетить - фатаьная ошибка. НО! Берите билет только в мечеть, будут предлагать музей и экскурсию, выйдет в два раза дороже. Просто по факту, посмотрите мультик, сделанный на нейронке в жтом музее, и очередь в час на вход отстоите. Того не стоит.

Евгений О.

Level 8 Local Expert

Mosque is in a very bad conditions and needs serious reconstruction, also prices for visit are very high.

ProExpert [subscribe]

Level 29 Local Expert

A breathtaking monument blending Byzantine and Ottoman history. Located in Sultanahmet; easily reachable by tram (Sultanahmet stop).

Нурлан Н

Level 6 Local Expert

Великолепное место для туристов!

Angelika

Level 8 Local Expert

Visiting Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is an unforgettable experience. The grandeur of the temple, the fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman cultures, the beauty of mosaics, and the play of light create a unique atmosphere. A must-visit place for history and art lovers.

Tania

Level 30 Local Expert

Very unpleasant staff! We went as a group of 10 adults and we were followed by a lady from the security, who was picking on absolutely everything: we were looking at the wrong way and standing in the wrong place, we were asked to move, while in the same aisle there was a huge group with a guide. And so the whole tour we were harassed, criticised and pressed. We were covered, did not break the rules, behaved culturally and talked quietly. In the end, the lady called the head of security, and then we couldn't stand it and got indignant. The lady was never able to explain what rules we had broken and what she didn't like. After paying 25 euros we were subjected to reprisals. This is not hospitable and absolutely inappropriate! Shame on you, security staff. Don't overstep your authority by hating people based on nationality or religion.

rsni

Level 21 Local Expert

Amazing place, no words needed

Daria

Level 10 Local Expert

Beautiful!

Konstantin Pol

Level 9 Local Expert

Marvelous historical site for every age and every preferences

Mme Tanoh

Level 12 Local Expert

Didn't get inside but the view is so magnificent. Will come again another day

Shohruh Rahmatillayev

Level 4 Local Expert

So beautiful and historical place

мария федотова

Level 6 Local Expert

beautiful

Gokhan Ayalp

Level 8 Local Expert

Magnificient

Muhammed Boğatekin

Level 5 Local Expert

Aya Sophia MOSQUE, forever...

Инкогнито 2823

Level 4 Local Expert

Hakan Dilan

Level 8 Local Expert

No wonder it’s one of the wonders of the world

Бердиёр Яхшиликов

Level 4 Local Expert

Beautiful mosque with its old fashion

Глеб Глинка

Level 8 Local Expert

Unfriendly…

Armine Khachatryan

Level 9 Local Expert

It’s a must visit place!

Osman Abdurashytov

Level 9 Local Expert

Magnificent

Suleman Ahmed

Level 3 Local Expert

Very Historic Mosque

Abraham

Level 8 Local Expert

So dangerous to be there. There are a lot of street sellers and pickpockets around.

sandsn

Level 15 Local Expert

History

Никита Родзевич

Level 30 Local Expert

The 4 rating is more related to the price and organization of ticket purchase rather than the location itself. We got here in a terrible storm, all the self-service machines weren't working, and we were soaked through by the time we could get inside. The ticket for the balcony is 1300 lire, the ticket for visiting the entire museum complex is 2400 lire. Maybe I'm spoiled by Moscow's museum prices, but it was expensive for me. The mosque itself is a beautiful place, but now part of the interior is not visible, it is blocked by forests.

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Сергей Великий.

Level 19 Local Expert

A large and high mosque 🕌 A majestic and ancient building. A former church with frescoes on the walls. The building impresses with its size. You can see the scope and breadth of the soul!👍 Architects and those who built it for centuries! I recommend watching and admiring it! 🙏

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Татьяна Яшкова

Level 11 Local Expert

It's absolutely not worth the money, everything inside is covered in forests, a canvas is stretched instead of a dome, nothing is visible. Only believers are allowed on the ground floor. It makes sense to visit only in 40 years, when the restoration is over, or now, if you really need to. If you come after the Blue Mosque, you will be disappointed. It is a historically important place, but in the condition it is in now, it is not worth even 5 euros.

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Аноним

Level 11 Local Expert

A place with a lot of history. The real symbol of Istanbul, which was first a basilica, then a cathedral, and since 1453 has been a mosque, where even ordinary tourists can enter. Every religion that has ever been practiced in the mosque has contributed to its decoration. From Muslims, the minarets and symbols on the dome, and from Christians, the structure of the cathedral as a whole. I advise you to visit, it's an excellent choice to broaden your horizons.

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Level 25 Local Expert

It was December 25. The mosque is under restoration, everything inside is covered in scaffolding. Tickets can be purchased for lira or euro. Only the area from the circular balcony is available for inspection. The main dome is only partially visible, and photos cannot be taken due to the huge scaffolding in the center! I recommend passing after 15.00, there is no queue anymore!

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R17

Level 9 Local Expert

Today (November 25, 2025) we were inside. What is important to know before visiting (most likely, you will not be informed about this anywhere else): 1 - dollars are NOT accepted at the checkout. Only lira or euro (or by card, but not Russian). 2 - the cashier, by default, tried to sell us a more expensive ticket with a visit to some additional museum. Without it, 1 ticket costs 25 euros, with it all 50 (!). If your goal is to visit the mosque itself, confidently say that you need a basic cheap ticket for 25 euros. First, they turn on the fool, then they punch a regular ticket. 3 - only the balcony area is accessible to tourists (and the entrance and exit from it are through beautiful corridors and halls). The balcony is circular, there is something to see on it. But you will only see 60-70% of the main hall and the main dome (and you won't take 100% normal photos) because of the huge scaffolding RIGHT in the middle of the mosque. You can verify the attached photos. It is not written about this anywhere, although in all conscience they could make a significant discount on tickets during the repair period (for the inconvenience). Keep this in mind as well. 4 - It will take at least an hour to explore the mosque in some detail without a guide. There are no toilets inside, and they don't sell water either. Despite the signs forbidding the carrying of water, we were quietly allowed through with 0.5 bottles in our backpack. In general, the scale and history of the place are amazing, but the price is very high at the moment.

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Helena

Level 14 Local Expert

This is an amazing place with a lot of history.The interior is striking for its beauty and grandeur. Mosaics, frescoes and columns are impressive. There are a lot of tourists during the high season. Entrance is now paid and there are long queues for tickets. Well, it's worth it, it's a must-visit place for those who come to Istanbul for the first time. It's better to come early in the morning or closer to closing time if you want to see more details and watch everything calmly .

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White Sun

Level 12 Local Expert

I recently visited the Hagia Sophia Mosque, and I want to share my impressions of this amazing place. From the very entrance, you can feel a special atmosphere steeped in history and grandeur. The architecture of the mosque impresses with its beauty and monumentality — a huge building with elegant domes and amazing detailed decoration, which seems to transport you to another era. Special attention is paid to the interior decoration: magnificent mosaics, calligraphy and exquisite ornaments on the walls create the impression of a real work of art. I was fascinated by the harmony of chiaroscuro, when the rays of the sun gently penetrated through the stained glass windows, filling the space with warmth and peace. This place seems to invite you to stop, think and feel connected to something more. In addition to its architectural and artistic qualities, the mosque enjoys an atmosphere of calm and respect. Visitors of various cultures and faiths find here the opportunity for prayer and meditation, which underlines the importance of Hagia Sophia as a symbol of unity and tolerance. The staff is very friendly and always ready to help, which makes the visit even more comfortable and enjoyable. I would also like to note the excellent location of the mosque: there are many green areas around where you can relax after the tour and enjoy the surrounding nature. Overall, visiting the Hagia Sophia Mosque left me with the warmest and most inspiring impressions. This is not just a historical monument, but a living testimony of centuries-old culture and spirituality that everyone should definitely see. I recommend it to anyone who appreciates beauty, history and the atmosphere of sincere inner peace.

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Виктория Фролова

Level 8 Local Expert

It is not worth visiting at all. They ruined such a Cathedral. The temple was built in 537! Muslims pray on the ground floor and so that they cannot see, the image on the 2nd floor was covered with scaffolding). A little brainstorming and that's it....really everything. Pay 2500 rubles per person! for seeing how the temple was ruined. We expected more. Such bullying is not necessary for nothing. Mosques at every turn, why spoil it, in a word, savages.

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Ирина Кузина

Level 17 Local Expert

We visited the museum in May, during the reconstruction. All the guides dissuaded us from going, they say you won't see anything, there are only forests there. Don't believe it, go early, while there are few people before 11 o'clock. There's a lot to see, the balcony is great. The building itself has thick walls and antique stairs. I was very impressed.

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Юрий Дк

Level 22 Local Expert

A place with a history of more than 1,500 years. It was built in an unprecedented 5 years, using technologies unique for that time. The interior and exterior decoration are austere and unique. The ticket is not cheap and there are restrictions on the form of clothing. The inspection takes place only on the second floor. Here you will see the scope of the structure, the remains of mosaics, a huge overhanging dome, columns with a tilt, Viking graffiti. Go up the sloping corridor. Unfortunately, the tourists are separated from the ground floor with a considerable number of attractions. Unfortunately, there is a division of people by faith.

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Седа

Level 16 Local Expert

Special thanks for the beauty of the cathedral itself, but the price, expectation and reality did not match at all, unfortunately. Admission is paid for tourists and Christians, they are not allowed on the ground floor ( only Muslims are allowed for free). I was very unpleasantly struck by this fact, you won't understand if it's a museum or a mosque in the end. The price of the issue is 2600 liras. Plus, repairs are underway inside, and construction columns have been erected everywhere, which no one has warned about. I do not recommend visiting for this price now, perhaps the situation will be better after the renovation.

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Vitaly S

Level 23 Local Expert

I'm writing a review on fresh tracks. I visited this place today and was disappointed both by the overall impression and the pricing. Firstly, the building is under renovation both inside and out. You won't see a beautiful huge dome with paintings, and everything you've seen online. You will only see the scaffolding covering the entire interior. The visit itself is an entrance to the second floor, a passage through a semicircle with several murals on the walls and down to the exit. This is the whole room. If you visit any cathedral in our country, the interior will be much more beautiful - icons, murals, gold leaf. You won't see anything like this here, except that the building has little historical value. Secondly, pricing. I paid 5,200 Turkish lira for an adult and a child of 9 years old, which is about 100 euros. The money paid does not correspond in any way to the pleasure received. Yes, the ticket price includes a museum with an audio tour. But, you just walk for 30 minutes through the corridors, where the projector does not display the highest quality animation on the white walls. They will tell a story that can be studied more thoroughly on the Internet and view more historical files. I would hardly come here again. For example, the tour of the Pechora Monastery was much more interesting, the interior of both the monastery and the territory is really impressive.

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Валери

Level 10 Local Expert

It's a very beautiful building, it's a pity that historically, some of the frescoes were covered with a coating and now they won't be viewed. There are a lot of people, huge queues, both day and night)

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Елена Андрийчук

Level 15 Local Expert

The queue for tourists is located to the right of the mosque, if you stand facing it in the square. There was a small one in the afternoon in June, and we bought tickets in 15 minutes. But be careful at the box office, we were paying with a card and did not immediately see that we had been given more tickets to the St. Sophia Museum, which is plus another 59 euros for two. That is, the visit resulted in a very tidy sum for us. One ticket directly to Sofia cost 25 euros for June 2025. They only let you into the upper galleries, but that's a good thing, all the surviving frescoes are there. It's a pity, of course, that now it's a mosque, and you can't see all the splendor. If you close your eyes and imagine the radiance of that Sofia before it was plundered by the Crusaders and Ottomans, then it must have been grandiose!

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Екатерина Лоева

Level 10 Local Expert

The magnificent architectural monument of Byzantium, built by decree of Emperor Justinian l in 532, is located in the heart of Istanbul. Its grandeur and size are amazing, but the condition of the interior leaves much to be desired. The faces of the saints on the walls and domes are almost lost. Currently, restoration is underway, and only a part of the monument is accessible.

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Диана Я.

Level 9 Local Expert

One of my favorite locations of the great city of Istanbul. An incredibly monumental building, with stunning architecture and history. A masterpiece of architecture! I definitely recommend you to visit

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Антон Лазарев

Level 10 Local Expert

Very beautiful architecture, both outside and inside. A must-visit place! There are always a lot of people, but getting inside, despite this, is quite easy, without long waits.

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Мария Б.

Level 3 Local Expert

Visited on 02/18/26. At the time of the visit, everything is in the woods, both outside and inside. The ticket costs 25 euros (about 1300 liras) per person. The ticket office will offer you a ticket for 50 euros (2,600) per person. You will be convinced that for 25 euros you will not see anything and will not go anywhere. Don't be fooled! The system is as follows: a ticket "to the balcony" costs 25 euros (which is what you need), and a ticket "to the church" costs another 25 euros. You need a ticket to the balcony. Insist, no matter how they convince you at the checkout. For this price, you will go to the second floor of the cathedral. You will be able to see the first floor, the altar part, the mosaic from above, and walk around the second floor itself. In fact, you will see almost everything. Don't forget to turn on the audio guide - it connects for free using a QR code, which is very interesting and available in Russian. The codes are inside the cathedral, you will see the stands are red. Please note that the cathedral inside is also in the woods. The dome is overstretched, you can't see it. For a ticket to the church, you also get the same second floor + audio guide (why? It's free)+entrance to the Sofia History Museum (a separate building, not the fact that you really need it, read about it separately) + perhaps a passage to the first floor (I'm not sure that's really the case, since we didn't see the exit there. But there were people there). We went for 25 euros and are very satisfied. We saw everything that was possible, taking into account the restoration work and the partial closure of the cathedral.

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Павел Вычигин

Level 29 Local Expert

Yes, the cathedral is ancient, but it disappointed.The price is insane, so they also breed.You can't get through the giant queues inside.Everything is covered with scaffolding, which makes it difficult to see.The horror.....

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Ольга Никитина

Level 7 Local Expert

The centuries-old history is impressive, it's worth going, we were only allowed on the balcony, of course, we didn't want to wander around the whole temple, but eternal repairs prevented it.It's not clear whether to charge 50 euros per person for admission, and there are queues for an hour and a half, the flow of tourists is endless, and it was possible to repair it quickly.There is a Wi-Fi and audio guide at the entrance, you can use it without a guide, the neural network restores all the frescoes, great.In terms of clothes, the girls are more modest and need a headscarf,they walk straight and God forbid they fall off their heads, they run from the other end, the control is shorter,the boys are strictly trousers

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Наталья Ф

Level 17 Local Expert

The main historical mosque of Istanbul. It is currently undergoing restoration. It's really huge. There are several mosaics inside, the remains of a Christian cathedral. You can listen to information about the iconic places using the QR code in Russian, and see a virtually restored mosaic.

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Игорь Халдеев

Level 11 Local Expert

Beautiful architecture, stunning scale, but the Turks, as always, raised the price tag as much as they could, but only the 4th person at the checkout was able to explain that even for this price there is no access everywhere, you will not be able to see the most beautiful things.

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Hagia Sophia Mosque

2164 reviews