Snapshot: Hagia Sophia

Once a church, a mosque and now a museum, this treasure from the Byzantine and Ottoman empires remains one of the world’s most fascinating structures

 

With its giant dome, towering minarets and buttresses, the splendour of Hagia Sophia dominates Istanbul’s skyline, and decades on, remains a key attraction for any visitor to Istanbul. Commissioned by Emperor Justinian (527-565 AD), one of the early rulers of the Byzantium empire (330-1453 AD), the Hagia Sophia (its name translates as ‘Shrine of the Holy of God’), was built by Anthemius of Tralles, a geometer and architect, and architect Isidorus of Miletus in six short years. Completed in 537 AD, the monument remains Emperor Justinian’s crowning architectural achievement. No expense was spared for its construction, blocks of marble were imported from Egypt and Italy, forty thousand pounds of silver used to decorate the sanctuary, 40 arched windows were built around the arcade at the base of its 105-ft main dome, supported by curved triangle vaults that were flanked by two other semi-domes.

 

The Hagia Sophia's ornamental ceiling is a sample of Byzantine architecture.
The Hagia Sophia's ornamental ceiling is a sample of Byzantine architecture.

 

For almost a thousand years, the Hagia Sophia was considered the seat of the Orthodox patriarch, its splendid mosaics (most of them now lost) – added from the 9th century – depicted the history of the Byzantine empire right up to the 14th century. When Constantinople was conquered by Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II in 1453, he turned it into a mosque which he renamed Ayasofya while allowing Christian mosaics of the Virgin Mary and seraphs to remain. However, over the centuries as a mosque, the Christian altar, bells and sacrificial vessels were removed, while four 200 feet tall minarets were added at each corner during the 15th century and the interiors adorned with gold mosaics and decorations, many still visible today. In 1934, the Hagia Sofia was declared by Turkey’s first president Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as a museum and a 'monument for all civilization' making it the world's first mosque to be turned into a museum.

 

The Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus in the Apse Mosaic inside the Hagia Sophia.
The Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus in the Apse Mosaic inside the Hagia Sophia.

 

Attracting millions of visitors a year, stepping inside the Hagia Sophia is akin to stepping into a time capsule. Every detail tells a piece of its rich history, all around, the magnificent Byzantine mosaics – portraying everything from Emperor Leo VI on his knees before Christ, Mother Mary with baby Jesus on her lap – compel the individual to look a little closer. The circular pattern on the floor marks the spot where Byzantine emperors were crowned. The wood used to construct the Imperial Gate reserved for the emperor and his family is rumoured to be from Noah’s Ark. But perhaps, the most awe-inspiring moment arrives when you stand under the massive dome with its beautifully intact seraphim, as the light streams through its 40 arched windows, and look up at the large Arabic calligraphy work by Kazasker Mustafa Izzet Efendi. The combination of Hagia Sophia’s grandiose structure, the centuries of history and religion that have passed through its walls; there is literally no other place in the world quite like it.

 

Morning light seeps through the golden dome of the Hagia Sophia.
Morning light seeps through the golden dome of the Hagia Sophia.

Back to Turkey Tours
Related tours
Jul 2025 to Oct 2025
13 Day Unforgettable Turkey & Gulet Cruise
Fully Escorted
2-16 people
Gulet Cruise
7 Days
From
$5,145 NZD
Per person
Typically $6,315
Aug 2025 to Nov 2025
16 Day Antiquities Of Turkey With Gulet Premium Small Group Tour
Fully Escorted
Balanced
10-16 people
7 Days
From
$8,645 NZD
Per person
Typically $11,128
Aug 2025 to Sep 2025
8 Day Authentic Turkey Premium Small Group Tour
Fully Escorted
Active
2-24 people
7 Days
From
$4,745 NZD
Per person
Jul 2025 to Dec 2025
9 Day Independent Premium Turkey
Non Escorted
Balanced
7 Days
From
$5,745 NZD
Per person
Jul 2025 to Oct 2025
19 Day Highlights of Turkey Premium Small Group Tour
Fully Escorted
Balanced
2-20 people
7 Days
From
$9,745 NZD
Per person
Jun 2025 to Sep 2025
14 Day Incredible Turkey & Greece Premium Small Group Tour
Partially Escorted
Balanced
10-20 people
Ocean
From
$8,049 NZD
Per person
Jul 2025 to Dec 2025
9 Day Ancient Wonders of Turkey Small Group Tour
Fully Escorted
Balanced
2-20 people
7 Days
From
$4,995 NZD
Per person
Aug 2025 to Sep 2026
11 Day Incredible Turkey Premium Small Group Tour
Fully Escorted
Balanced
6-20 people
7 Days
From
$4,595 NZD
Per person
May 2026 to Sep 2026
15 Day Incredible Turkey & Greece Premium Small Group Tour (2026)
Partially Escorted
Balanced
10-20 people
Land Only
7 Days
From
$7,845 NZD
Per person
Loading...
Processing