Hagia Sophia
The essentials in 10 seconds
| Time on site | 1 h 15 min |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily about 9:00–19:00; closed to visitors at Friday midday prayer |
| Entry | €25verifying |
| With kids | Better without small kids |
Key facts
537year the cathedral was consecrated, under Justinian IWikipedia, “Hagia Sophia”
≈ 31 mdiameter of the main domeWikipedia, “Hagia Sophia”
1985part of the UNESCO site “Historic Areas of Istanbul”UNESCO World Heritage List, No. 356
How to do it right
- Come at opening or after 16:00: midday queues can take an hour.
- Shoulders and knees must be covered; women need a headscarf — scarves are handed out at the entrance.
- Combine with the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome: all three are within 5 minutes on foot.
Questions
How much time do I need?
About 75 minutes for the gallery and the square outside. With a guide — 1.5–2 hours.
Is it open on Fridays?
Yes, but visitors are not admitted during the midday prayer; plan the visit for the morning or late afternoon.
