Aya Sofya

 

Also known as Hagia Sophia and St. Sophia, Aya Sofya is one of the most impressive buildings in the world. Whether you’re staying in a hotel in Istanbul for business, pleasure or shopping, Istanbul Hotel Booker thoroughly recommends that you take the time to visit.

 

Where to Stay

To make the most of this amazing building, why not choose a hotel in Istanbul with a view of the museum? Imagine waking up to Aya Sofya and views of the Bosphorus beyond it each morning! If you’re not lucky enough to find a room with such a view, staying in the vicinity still gives you a great feel for Istanbul’s historic peninsula.

 

There are dozens of hotels here to choose from. Look for an Istanbul hotel in the area called Cankurtaran which is between Aya Sofya and the Bosphorus, or around the Hippodrome which gives you a great location in front of the Blue Mosque just a few minutes walk from Aya Sofya. If you can’t find a hotel in historic Istanbul which meets your budget and requirements, consider staying a little further up the peninsula off Divan Yolu Caddesi as there are numerous hotels here too which are within walking distance or a short ride on the tram away.

 

When to Go

Aya Sofya is open every day except Monday, between the hours of 9am to 7.30pm (though hours are subject to change, so check before visiting). It is usually busiest in the middle of the day and afternoon, so you’re better visiting early in the morning or before closing. If your hotel in Istanbul is quite close, you can always come back if you find it’s too busy.

 

About Aya Sofya

Aya Sofya was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 537 AD as a church, and it remained as such until Mehmet the Conqueror took over the city in 1453. He changed it from a church into a mosque by adding a single wooden minaret – the present day minarets were added later. For nearly 1,000 years Aya Sofya was the largest enclosed space in the world and it remained in operation as a mosque right up until 1935 when Atatürk ordered that it be made into a museum for people from all backgrounds and faiths to enjoy.

 

What to See

Make sure you don’t miss the mosaics on the upper mezzanine level. Be aware that there is major restoration going on inside Aya Sofya so you’ll have to put up with scaffolding for some years to come.