This skip-the-line tour of Hagia Sophia is perfect for discovering all the details of one of Istanbul's star monuments – a must to learn about the history of the city!
Hagia Sophia Tour
At the indicated time, we'll meet at the Hippodrome of Constantinople. Are you ready to visit one of the great masterpieces of Byzantine art? Let's get started!
During this guided tour, we'll learn about the history of Hagia Sophia from the outside, admiring its beauty from every possible point of view. Its four minarets and dome, more than 30 metres (98 ft) in diameter, have become one of the emblems of Istanbul.
We'll also discover all the details of its architecture, from its lighting to the imposing dimensions of the main hall and its mosaics. Without a doubt, it's a place that leaves all its visitors speechless.
After an hour of getting to know everything about the mosque from the outside, you'll go inside the temple, skipping the queues, which is visited without a live guide. You will, however, have an audioguide explaining the mosque in English. As you enter Hagia Sophia, you'll discover how a Greek Orthodox church was converted into a mosque in the mid-15th century. It was later transformed into a museum before being converted back into a mosque in 2020. You'll be amazed!
After your time touring Hagia Sophia, we'll end the tour outside the mosque, where you can ask the guide any questions you might have left over after your exploration.
Audioguide
Due to local regulations, the guide will not be able to go in with you and explain the interior of the Hagia Sophia. However, you'll be able to enter on your own, following the explanations of an audioguide in English.
Skip-the-line Ticket
Santa Sophia is visited daily by more than 3.5 million people a year. By reserving this ticket, you can make the most of your visit and avoid waiting in long queues at the ticket office. However, you will still have to queue up for security control to access the monument. During high season, this line may take up to an hour.
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