Why to visit Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia, also known as the Church of the Holy Wisdom or the Church of the Divine Wisdom, is a significant Byzantine edifice in Istanbul and one of the world's great monuments. The Byzantine emperor Justinian I directed the construction of the church in the 6th century CE (532–537). It was a mosque, a museum, and then a mosque again over the years. The minarets and inscriptions of Islam, as well as the beautiful mosaics of Christianity, illustrate the theological transformations that have occurred in the region throughout the years.
The main dome is supported by hollow bricks that were specially made in Rhodes, using a very light and porous clay. The total surface area of the domes and cupolas is around 19 000 sq metres. This is a domed monument that was initially constructed as a cathedral but has now been converted into a museum. It's one of the few spots in Istanbul where you can see both Byzantium and Ottoman influences all in one place. The unique blend of Christianity and Islamic art can be seen here. Visitors can also pay their respects to the five sultans buried in the Hagia Sophia complex.
The 'Sultanahmet' stop on the T1 tramway is the closest to the Hagia Sophia. Or, it is roughly a 20-minute walk from the Eminönü ferry terminal or the Sirkeci Marmaray line station.
