Destinations
The Grand Wisdom
The magnificent Hagia Sophia was built at the behest of the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian in 537 BC and was then known as the Church of Holy Wisdom. Hagia Sophia is a remarkable testament to the ingenuity of Eastern Roman architects, built to a unique design for the time. A new chapter in its history began when Mehmed II had it converted into a mosque and painted over the golden mosaics and frescoes with Islamic motifs and patterns. Some of them have since been uncovered again and have survived for centuries under layers of plaster. The emperor also added massive panes of beautifully crafted calligraphy.
At the turn of the 20th Century, Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum at the behest of Ataturk in 1935 and remained so for many years. Hagia Sophia's status as a place of worship returned in 2020.
Hagia Sophia is a veritable smorgasbord of curved domes, a wonder of infused natural light that cascades across the restored golden mosaics and incongruous minarets added over its long life. The sublime interior is a series of domes and vaults, centred on the shell-like apse and massive dome that seems to float freely, giving this architectural gem its amazing sense of space.
As one of İstanbul’s most famous and iconic landmarks, Hagia Sophia is an ode to the Eastern Roman and Ottoman taste for art and architecture.
Hagia Sophia History Museum
Only 7 minutes of a walk away from Hagia Sophia, located in the heart of Hippodrome, the Hagia Sophia History Museum offers a timeless voyage through the ages, unveiling the splendour and elaborate details of a global icon that has left its mark on history.
In the museum, amidst a seamless flow with unique content from start to finish, you'll embark on an enlightening journey that unravels how this iconic masterpiece was meticulously constructed and has endured through the ages. This museum offers more than just information; it immerses you in a realistic experience, skillfully employing cutting-edge audiovisual technologies to transport you across time and space. This museum should be on your list for a complete Hagia Sophia experience.
