Hagia Sophia Entrance Fee and Hours: Important Guide and Updates
Hagia Sophai was built by the Byzantine Emperor Byzantine around 1500 years ago. The architectural design of this monument is simply magnificent, with techniques used to build this monument was far beyond its era. For more than a thousand years, this was the largest church in the world.
From the 6th to the 15th centuries, it was used as a church and was one of the holiest cities, even the Byzantine Emperors (during the era of Eastern Europe) ruled here.
In 1453, when Constantinople was taken over by the Ottoman rulers, they converted Hagia Sophia from a church to a mosque and has been used as a place of worship by the Muslims, since then. The Ottoman rulers maintained the complex well and its original form can be seen till now.
During the Republican era, the Ayasofya (as Hagia Sophia is locally known as) remained as a museum for 90 years. In 2020, it was turned back as a mosque and the people visited to worship.
When is the best time to visit Hagia Sophia?
The best time to visit Hagia Sophia is between 9 am and 11 am, specially during the tourist season that is from April to November, when it is very crowded, the ticket counter lines are long and the crowd increases from afternoon.
Entrance Fees for Hagia Sophia
In order to enter Hagia Sophia, tourists will have to pay an entrance fee of 25 Euros. From January 15, 2024, it was made mandatory for tourists to buy the ticket to enter Hagia Sophia.
In July 2020, the government converted Hagia Sophia again into a mosque for praying, only the ground floor is used for prayers. Only Muslims visitors and Turkish citizens who want to worship will be able to enter the ground floor of Hagia Sophia from the park side of the gate.
As of January 2025, tourists will have to take the route which directly takes them to the upper floor. The ground floor is only for the muslims who want to pray.
Visiting Hours of Hagia Sophia
According to the latest 2025 updates the visiting hours of Hagia Sophia is between 09:00 am and 7:00 pm.
Hagia Sophia is open all-days for tourists, it is open even on weekdays and weekends.
However, as there are prayers on Fridays, the ground floor becomes very crowded, so the timing for tourists to enter the upper floor (the gallery section) is between 12:00 noon and 14:30. If you are visiting Hagia Sophia on a Friday, do note this time.
Take guided tours to visit Hagia Sophia as this ancient site is filled with history and fascinating stories of the past. If you are planning to visit Hagia Sophia, booking a guided tour in advance will help you get a guide and help you to skip the long queue to get your entrance tickets.
Foreign Muslim visitors who have plans to attend the prayer, you can enter the ground floor during prayer hours. Once the prayer is over, foreign Muslim visitors will have to evacuate.
Which parts of Hagia Sophia can tourists enter?
Tourists have only access to the upper floor of Hagia Sophia and the lower floor is for praying.
Lower floor of Hagia Sophia for praying
It was decided that from 2025, the lower floor of Hagia Sophia will be used for praying, Muslims who who want to attend the prayers can do so.
In fact the ground floor of Hagia Sophia is open for Turkish citizens throughout the day whether there is prayer or not. Foreign Muslims are allowed to enter the prayer area only after the adhan, they are permitted to attend the prayer.
Upper floor of Hagia Sophia has galleries
The upper floor has galleries and is open for tourists throughout the day. After purchasing the tickets you will have to directly go to the upper floor to see the gallery, entry to the ground floor is not allowed for tourists. During the visit, you are requested to maintain proper silence.
What are the main highlights of Hagia Sophia?
The main highlights of Hagia Sophia are the mosaics, artifacts, wooden plaques, decorative elements, etc.
- Have a glimpse of the ancient mosaics of Hagia Sophia, built by the Byzantine rulers.
- Check out the columns and marbles that were used to cover the walls of Hagia Sophia.
- Ottomans Decorative elements of the Ottoman period like mother-of-pearl inset cabinets, pencil works, Turkish rugs, Iznik tiles, calligraphy with woodwork, etc.
Are the mosaics of Hagia Sophia opened for tourists to see?
Most of the mosaics of the Byzantine period are on the first floor, which is open for tourists to see and know about its history. However, 3 of the mosaics are on the ground floor, which are not open for tourists, only used by the Muslims for praying.
The mosaics on the upper floor date back to the 11th and 13th centuries which are preserved well. Some of the popular mosaics in Hagia Sophia in the upper floor are Emperor John II Komnenos, Empress Zoe Mosaic and Christ Pantocrator (which represents the Judgment Day).
And on the ground floor, there are two mosaics, which tourists are not allowed to visit, one is above the imperial gate, which is the mosaic of Emperor Leo VI Mosaic, it cannot be seen completely. When you are about to leave the building on the right of the ground floor, there is the mosaic of Emperors Constantine and Justinian.
What are the other fascinating things to do in Hagia Sophia?
The other interesting things to do in Hagia Sophia include:
Visit the Sultanahmet Square
Within the complex of Hagia Sophia is the Sultanahmet Square, in the past it was popular as the Hippodrome of Constantinople, where chariot races were held. Visit the Sultanahmet Square, as it is an important site and many stories from the Byzantine era related to the races are shared by the guides. Also, it was this place that the first revolt against the Byzantine Empire ruler Emperor Justinian, who built Ayasofya began, this revolt is known as Nika Revolt.
Explore the Ottoman sultan’s tombs
Within the complex of Hagia Sophia, the courtyard comprises beautifully decorated tombs belonging to the sultans of the Ottoman empire. The famous tombs include the tombs of Selim II and Murad III as they are designed beautifully. The architect of these tombs was the famous architect Mimar Sinan, from the Ottoman empire.
Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam
If you want to have a relaxing time, enjoy a Turkish bath at the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam, located near Hagia Sophia.
Will I require a guide to visit Hagia Sophia?
Hagia Sophia (locally referred to as Ayasofya) with a history of 1500 years and many interesting stories and legends. If you are a history lover, it is better to visit this place with a knowledgeable guide, who knows the history and every corner of this place well.
The mosaics, columns and marbles that decorate the building, have their own stories to tell. From the Byzantine era to the rule of the Ottoman sultans, know their fascinating stories.
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