If you’re going to Istanbul, then Hagia Sophia is certainly on your must-see list. You may be wondering, however, how pricey is such a popular tourist spot? How much will you pay for a ticket to Hagia Sophia? We’ll go over exactly that today.
Istanbul is Turkey’s most populous city. Formerly Byzantium, then Constantinople, and now Istanbul stands along the Bosphorus Strait. A majestic metropolis bordering the Black Sea to the south and the Sea of Marmara to the north. The population count of the city is officially nearing 16 mln, though unofficial sources have been proposing that there are over 20 mln people living there already. Its remarkable history brings together origins of many cultures and religions which still coexist today in Istanbul’s colourful streets. The city is full of buildings that once bore witness to the remarkable history events that took place here. The single most important one of these is the Hagia Sophia.
Hagia Sophia, or the Church of the Holy Wisdom, is Istanbul’s most popular tourist spot. It has also been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1985. The building was constructed around 537 and, interestingly, originally as a church. Throughout history, it has been rebranded into a mosque many times. Regardless of which religion it is transcribed to, Hagia Sophia has been attracting crowds of worshippers and tourists from all over the world for one and a half thousand years. So how much does one such tourist have to pay to visit Hagia Sophia in Istanbul in 2023?
Entry cost to Hagia Sophia in 2023
For the past years, Hagia Sophia functioned primarily as a tourist attraction, with entry costing around 100 TL. In 2020, however, it was announced that it had once again been rebranded into a mosque. Even if you don’t care about the religious implications, this is really good news for tourists. Why? Because it means that entry is completely free, as that’s a rule that applies to all mosques in Istanbul. After visiting Hagia Sophia, you can also visit the sultan’s tombs for free. The interiors of these mausoleums feature works of 16th-century Ottoman architecture. It is worth knowing that, although there is no admission fee to Hagia Sophia Mosque, donations are welcome.
On which days and at what times is Hagia Sophia open?
Hagia Sophia is open seven days a week, Monday to Sunday.
The mosque is open from 9am until 11pm at night. During summer and other busy periods, people are allowed into the mosque in groups. As a result, you don’t have to stand in a queue for too long. If prayer is currently taking place in the mosque, entry is still possible, but access may be restricted in some areas. It is best to check the prayer times on that particular day on the dedicated website: https://namazvakitleri.diyanet.gov.tr/en-US/9541/prayer-time-for-istanbul
What are the rules when visiting Hagia Sophia?
All visitors to Hagia Sophia Mosque (and all other mosques) must respect the rules of the shrine.
Visitors should remove their shoes before entering the carpets of the mosque. Women should wear something to cover their hair and preferably also cover their shoulders. Head scarves are available at the entrance to the mosque at no extra charge. Taking photographs is permitted, but photos should not be taken of people who are in prayer. Maximum silence should be maintained during the visit. It is forbidden to run, walk or stand directly in front of those who are praying.
Where is Hagia Sophia located?
Hagia Sophia is located in Sultanahmet, which is the oldest and the most touristy district of the city. Opposite the Hagia Sophia mosque is the Blue Mosque. Nearby is the Grand Bazaar and other highlights of this remarkable city.
Hagia Sophia is truly one of the most noteworthy buildings in the world, due to its unique architecture, richness of interior, as well as its historical and religious significance. We’d recommend you start your visit to Istanbul with this very place to properly set the scene for the rest of your trip with a moment of silence.
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