537 AD
The first Hagia Eirene Church, built during the reign of Constantius II, was much smaller. A majority of the current structure of Hagia Sophia was built under Emperor Justinian I after the former church was destroyed in 532 CE.
Dating back to the year 537 AD, the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is a true masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, that has survived the test of time. It is known for its Grand Central Dome, intricate mosaics, and delicate stonework. Hagia Sophia's history spans 1500 years. Once a church, then a museum, and now a mosque, the monument has witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties. It is a symbol of the diverse blending of Eastern and Western cultures in Istanbul.
537 AD: Emperor Constantius II established Hagia Sophia as an Eastern Orthodox Church at the peak of Byzantine rule in Turkey.
537 AD to 1453: The Hagia Sophia, under the Byzantines, served as a church until Constantinople fell to the Ottomans.
1453 to 1922: Several architectural modifications were carried out throughout the years Hagia Sophia served as a Mosque.
1934: The Turkish government under the Presidency of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk decided to establish Hagia Sophia as a Museum to preserve its rich history, all of it without being confined to one religion or section of people.
1934 to 2020: The Hagia Sophia Museum attracted attention from all over the world. New design elements were added and mosaics were restored.
2020: The Hagia Sophia Museum was once again declared to be a Mosque under Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
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The Hagia Sophia spans over 1500 years. It was established as an Eastern Orthodox Church during the Byzantine era.
The Hagia Sophia attracts attention from all over the world due to its impressive Grand Central Dome and intricate mosaics. It is an enduring symbol of Turkey's changing powers and Eastern-Western cultural heritage.
Hagia Sophia is situated in Sultanahmet Square, near the Blue Mosque. The address is Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih İstanbul, Turkey.
Hagia Sophia's architecture dates to the Byzantine era. Given its past as an Orthodox Church to a Mosque to a Museum, and now a Mosque again, the structure retains its previous influences. The most distinct feature of Hagia Sophia is its Grand Dome, which rises to a height of above 180 feet.
Depending on the kind of Hagia Sophia ticket you choose, it can cost between €31 to €36. Depending on the ticket you choose, you can skip ahead of long lines and enjoy historian-guided tours with skip-the-line entry access. The combo tickets will help you save money, as they range from around €59 and cover many more attractions.
Yes, you can book Hagia Sophia guided tours, where an experienced tour guide will take you through the minarets, mosaics, and artifacts inside the Mosque. You can also skip ahead of long lines at the venue if you choose historian-guided tours with skip-the-line entry.
Yes, there are many reasons why you should add Hagia Sophia to your bucket list. It is a perfect example of the beauty and grandeur of Byzantine architecture. The Hagia Sophia is also a symbol of the city of Istanbul and a reminder of the blending of Eastern and Western cultures.
