Hagia Sophia★★★
The Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) is Istanbul's most significant building and one of the most important in human history. Since 537 AD, this architectural marvel has stood — for almost 1,000 years the largest church in Christendom, then 500 years a mosque, 85 years a museum, and since 2020 a mosque again.
Emperor Justinian I. had the church built in just five years (532–537). The massive dome — 56 m high, 31 m in diameter — seems to float and was a technical marvel of its time. Upon entering, the scale hits you like a blow: the vast interior, the light streaming through 40 windows, the golden Byzantine mosaics, which remained partially visible even after its conversion into a mosque.
On the upper floor, you will find the famous Deësis mosaic (13th century) — Christ flanked by Mary and John the Baptist — one of the masterpieces of Byzantine art. The mosaics of Empress Zoë and Emperor John II are also preserved. Since its reopening as a mosque, some mosaics have been covered with curtains but are partially visible during prayer times.
Notable details: the "sweating column" (wishing column) with the copper hole into which you stick your thumb; the Viking runes carved by a guard in the 9th century into the marble balustrade; and the huge calligraphic round shields commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid I. with the names of Allah, Mohammed, and the first caliphs.
💡 Tipp
Come right at the opening at 9 AM — the tour groups are not there yet. The visit is free (mosque), but you must take off your shoes and women need a headscarf. Scarves are lent at the entrance. During the five daily prayer times (especially Friday noon), tourist access is restricted — check the current prayer times in advance.