Visiting the Hagia Sophia
It was intended as the radiant symbol of a glorious Byzantine era, and it has become the defining icon of Istanbul. This masterful work first emerged in the 4th century as a Christian basilica, then was rebuilt and expanded under Emperor Justinian in 537. Hagia Sophia transitioned into a mosque under Mehmet II in the 15th century. It lost that status when Atatürk turned the historic building into a museum in 1934, but its destiny took another turn in 2020. Now a functioning Muslim place of worship once again, the mosque remains one of the most majestic structures on the planet, continuing to fascinate both the faithful and those who appreciate exceptional architecture.
A masterpiece of Byzantine art
For nearly 1,500 years, its 55-meter dome was the largest in the world, and it still commands immediate respect today. The exterior of Hagia Sophia features buttresses so massive that the structure almost appears heavy. Its four minarets introduced a new aesthetic to the construction, and its architecture tracks the rise of Christianity, the fall of the Byzantine empire, and the arrival of the Ottomans. You find this blend of styles inside, where the beauty is so intense that initial shock is the standard reaction. The space is immense, and its monumental cupola serves as the central element. It represents a genuine technical feat and a visual marvel. The rarest and most precious materials were used for its decoration, with colored marble bursting forth in a forest of 107 columns topped with chiseled capitals, some standing 20 meters high. Between the gigantic chandeliers, stained glass, and beams, light is a major feature of this interior that elevates Byzantine art to its peak. The space holds a mix of Muslim symbols, mosaics, some of which are made of gold, and frescoes depicting biblical scenes that are now covered during prayer. Sultan Mehmet had them plastered over, which is exactly what preserved them. The visit is moving and memorable.
Opening hours
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Originally a basilica, then a mosque, Hagia Sophia is a museum today. You go there mainly to see its architecture, its esplanade, and the many mosaics that decorate its interior. A must-see in Istanbul in my opinion.