Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Top Sights
Aya Sofya
There are many important monuments in İstanbul, but this
venerable structure - commissioned by Emperor Justinian
and consecrated as a church in 537, converted to a mosque
by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453 and declared a museum
by Atatürk in 1934 - surpasses the rest due to its rich his-
tory, religious importance and extraordinary beauty.
Known as Hagia Sophia in Greek, Sancta Sophia in Latin
and the Church of the Divine Wisdom in English, it is com-
monly acknowledged as one of the world's greatest build-
ings.
Hagia Sophia
OFFLINE MAP
Aya Sofya Meydanı 1
adult/under 12yr 25/free
9am-6pm Tue-Sun
Sultanahmet
Don't Miss
Imperial Door
The main entrance into the nave is crowned with a mosaic of Christ as Pantocrator (Ruler
of All). Christ holds a book that carries the inscription 'Peace be With You. I am the Light
of the World' and is flanked by the Virgin Mary and the Archangel Gabriel. At his feet an
emperor (probably Leo VI) prostrates himself.
Nave
Made 'transparent' by its profusion of windows and columned arcades, Aya Sofya's nave is
as visually arresting as it is enormous. The chandeliers hanging low above the floor are Ot-
toman additions, as are the 19th-century medallions inscribed with gilt Arabic letters and
the elevated kiosk where the sultan worshipped.
