In 537 AD, Hagia Sophia began life as a church, before becoming an Ottoman mosque in 1453. The largest cathedral in the world for almost a thousand years, this majestic building is considered one of the finest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. Today, you can go inside and explore both the colossal structure as well as its museum.
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What Guests Said About Hagia Sophia:
Anonymous
Blue Mosque & Hagia Sofia are both jaw droppingly stunning inside
Blue Mosque & Hagia Sofia are both jaw droppingly stunning inside. Avoid the huge tour group queues & go straight to the top of the line, else you'll wait for hours. I was in (in both places), in 10 minutes without being pushy.
James
United States of America
Called a "Hamam", the recently renovated hamam between the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosk is second to none
Lots of people everywhere and fantastic food. Having the Turkish bath experience is not to be missed. Called a "Hamam", the recently renovated hamam between the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosk is second to none.
Aslı
United Kingdom
Getting a museum card or looking for ticket kiosks (especially in the enterance of Hagia Sofia and Topkapı Palace) will let you pass hundreds of people in line waiting to get a ticket
Getting a museum card or looking for ticket kiosks (especially in the enterance of Hagia Sofia and Topkapı Palace) will let you pass hundreds of people in line waiting to get a ticket.
Paul
Russia
Visit Hagia Sofia to understand how the world was divided to different churches and so on
Just imagine the city lived for four imperials! Here is a lot of history on every corner. Visit Hagia Sofia to understand how the world was divided to different churches and so on...
Su
Australia
Everyone seems to go to the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace early but we found after lunch a lot quieter
we gave in and got the 2 day hop on hop off big bus - as we kept getting lost. Everyone seems to go to the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace early but we found after lunch a lot quieter. if I - no when I go again I will definitely get a 3 day pass so no queuing. Must do a Bosphorus cruise
“Azade hotel is located next to key attractions like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, which are walking distance. Great views from the terrace. Affordable and family friendly. Staff was very kind and accommodating. We enjoyed the 3 nights we spent there. Made our trip to Istanbul memorable.”
“Our room was very nice and the staff were very friendly (thanks Ifran!). The hotel is centrally located. It is within walking distance of the Blue mosque and Hagia Sophia. There are many shops and restaurants up and down the surrounding streets.”
“The manager was very helpful with giving us tips on getting to Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Very friendly staff. Would definitely like to stay here again. Even morning staff was very courteous on helping us get a taxi to the airport since we had an early morning flight. They were very accommodating. They thrive in their customer service!! This hotel is great! Would definitely recommend others to stay here.”
“Having previously stayed in another hotel in the same neighbourhood at around the same price range, this one was much nicer, cleaner and had better staff. The staff were very nice and helpful. The beds were comfortable, the wifi and fridge worked fine, lots of hot water, satellite TV. The Hagia Sophia was about 200 yards away, easily visible from our room window. All around, I was very happy with the place and would stay there again.”
“The location is perfect! If we are talking about inside Fatih, because Hagia Sophia and Tram are walking distance. But IST and SAW airport are far from the hotel. It took me 45 minutes from SAW to the hotel by airport shuttle. And more than 1 hour by commute (tram and train) from the hotel to IST Airport.
The breakfast buffet was SUPERB!
They gave me apple tea - which I truly liked!
Staff were great - very helpful, however not all can speak english.”
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