Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia / St. Sophia)
Neighborhood: Sultanahmet
Nearest Train: Sultanahmet
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The magnificent Ayasofya was originally built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 537 AD, and it was used as a church for 916 years. It then became a mosque for 481 years, and Turkey's first President, Atatürk, declared it a museum in 1935. (It is no longer used as a place of worship, so you needn't be too concerned with your dress or the appropriateness of taking photos as you should be at some other religious landmarks in Istanbul, such as the Blue Mosque.) Considered the first and last unique application in terms of its architecture (it was built on a square base rather than the common rectangular one), magnificence and functionality, it has been the inspiration for Ottoman mosques for countless centuries. The incredible frescoes and mosaics in the upper gallery, despite being damaged, are among the most visited sites in the city. From 2007-2008, each and every gold tile piece of the ceiling will be restored to its former glory. Ayasofya is a number one must-see in Istanbul.
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Number One Must See
Neighborhood: Sultanahmet
Nearest Train: Sultanahmet
Map | add to Travel Bag (NEW)
The magnificent Ayasofya was originally built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 537 AD, and it was used as a church for 916 years. It then became a mosque for 481 years, and Turkey's first President, Atatürk, declared it a museum in 1935. (It is no longer used as a place of worship, so you needn't be too concerned with your dress or the appropriateness of taking photos as you should be at some other religious landmarks in Istanbul, such as the Blue Mosque.) Considered the first and last unique application in terms of its architecture (it was built on a square base rather than the common rectangular one), magnificence and functionality, it has been the inspiration for Ottoman mosques for countless centuries. The incredible frescoes and mosaics in the upper gallery, despite being damaged, are among the most visited sites in the city. From 2007-2008, each and every gold tile piece of the ceiling will be restored to its former glory. Ayasofya is a number one must-see in Istanbul.
http://travel.comfi.com/
http://www.visittampabay.com
TravelAlaska.com
Tu-Su 9a-5pFour Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara: Stay two nights, and receive the 3rd night FREE! www.SantaBarbaraCa.com/Partners
Reviews
An architectural wonder!
A beautiful monument, a wonder of architecture. The huge dome is suspended, no supporting columns se...
Reviewed by:A Yahoo! Contributor from on Aug 13 2009
breath taking place
I simply fell in love with it.It has a magical power and it gives you an overwelming feeling.I will ...
Reviewed by:A Yahoo! Contributor from on Apr 08 2009
Strange feelings
It was one of the most strange places I've ever been because of combine Christian and Islamic re...
Reviewed by:Natasha from on Feb 24 2009
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