CityBuddy
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon in spring and autumn, when temperatures are pleasant and crowds are smaller; avoid midday and major Muslim holidays because of longer prayer-related closures.
Budget tips
No general entrance fee since conversion to a mosque, so no tickets are required; check prayer times as parts may be closed during services. Istanbul Museum Pass does not cover Hagia Sophia, so save money by visiting between prayer times and pairing the visit with other free Sultanahmet sights.
Recommended for
History buffs, Architecture lovers, Photography enthusiasts, Cultural observers
Plan your visit
45-75 min
About
Hurtige fakta: Duften af gammel kalk og voks blander sig med ekkoet af stemmer under den enorme kuppel, mens mosaikkerne glimter i spredt lys. Få bygninger får gæster til at tabe pusten, med søjler hentet fra fjerne provinser og en kuppel der synes at svæve over rummet.
Højdepunkter: Kuppelens ring af cirka 40 vinduer lader lyset strømme ind som en krans af stjerner, så den 31 meter brede kuppel ser ud til at svæve over publikum, især ved solopgang. I den sydlige gang står den såkaldte grædende søjle med et slidt hul, hvor besøgende gennem århundreder har stukket en tommelfinger ind for at bede om helbredelse eller held, en lille, håndgribelig tradition mindst lige så mærkbar som mosaikkerne fra 500-tallet.
Insider tips
- Wear modest clothes and women should bring a scarf, be prepared to remove shoes in prayer areas.
- For close-up photos of the remaining mosaics, go to the upper gallery early; the northern gallery often has fewer people.
- Avoid the five daily prayer times by checking local prayer schedules and plan your visit between services to see the interior freely.
- Skip long exterior-only tours; spend a focused 45-75 minute self-guided visit inside then walk to the Blue Mosque or Basilica Cistern nearby.
Klik for at booke en GRATIS gåtur i Istanbul, Turkey
Den bedste måde at opleve en by med en lokal guide.
Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!
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