Istanbul is a magical place. We arrived on the MSC Poesía and time was too short. You have to discover a lot of details in an incredible city. We did everything on foot, we did not hire any excursions or use public transportation. The square and the surroundings are where you can stay for a long time. The current building was built between the years 532 to 537. The dome is enormous. It was a Catholic church, also Orthodox, then a mosque until 1931, it opened as a museum in 1935. Since 2020, the temple could be one of the most important places of worship for followers of the Islamic faith. Upon entering you feel a feeling of peace and admiration at such beauty. You have to take off your shoes, they are left in numbered lockers and women must cover their heads, they offer you scarves to do so. There is a long line to get in, but everything is very fast.

The Hagia Sophia (now a mosque again) is in the center of Istanbul. It is impressive and worth visiting, not to be missed. Tips: -There can be long lines, consider it to be able to visit it -There are times when you cannot enter through the remains. Consider this to visit it.

I went there years ago when I was a child and it was one of the places I really can't forget. I had the opportunity to come and visit again. It was nice that it was opened to the use of citizens as a mosque. The upper floor is exhibited as a museum. Entry fee is around 25€.

Visiting Hagia Sophia (aka Aya Sofia), a site listed on UNESCO, was a truly special experience with its rich historical significance. This building stands as a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Although there is now an entrance fee, when I visited on January 3rd, 2024, I was able to enter without charge by waiting in line. By around 11 a.m., the line had grown considerably longer, so I recommend arriving early. Despite the lengthy queue, entry was relatively swift as they were admitting visitors in two lines. Although it is now a mosque, traces of its history as a church, cathedral, and museum are still evident. Part of the charm of touring this place is searching for depictions of Jesus, Mary, Cherubim, the cross and etc. Once considered the world's greatest church building, it has withstood several major earthquakes despite undergoing multiple renovations. Upon entering the interior, it's necessary to remove your shoes, so wearing socks is advisable. Nearby attractions such as the Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Square, and the historic Grand Bazaar are worth exploring together.

Very long queues to get in, but it goes very quickly. Be careful, at certain times only believers are allowed in! Everyone should take their shoes off, women should cover their heads! Then you enter the Hagia Sophia: impressive architecture, not very obtrusive paintings, everything is carpeted - everything is geared towards prayer.

I’ve been to Hagia Sophia Masjid several times and I am always lost for words when looking at the sheer beauty of this masjid. The architecture is memorising along with the rich historical significant in every corner. It’s not just a religious site, it’s a testament to human creativity and devotion. Highly recommend everyone seek this visually stunning experience.

a site listed on UNESCO, was a really exceptional involvement in its rich verifiable importance. This building remains as a work of art of Byzantine design.A lovely verifiable structure that is the consequence of the transformation of a church into a mosque during the social and civilizational change throughout the entire existence of Turkey. Where God's name has been referenced for millennia

Be aware! Tickets cost 25€ per person. You can ONLY see the up floor. The down floor is only allowed to Turkish citizens. Beautiful mosque too, you can get earphones for 100TL, to listen to the story in your language, but you can also use your own earphones, so make sure you bring yours.

Hagia Sophia is a place of world scale significance. Very modest, even shabby looking from outside, it has mesmerising views inside. Recently introduced 25 eur/pax non-local ticket fee made for us easy access for upper-gallery ( only ) without any quee. Might not be the same in high season.

May God bless everyone who has turned this place into a place of worship in the past and today. This smells like history. The entrance fee for the upper floor was approximately 1000 TL. It is not neccesary, I think .