Do you want to come to Istanbul on your first trip? One of the most important stops of your trip to Istanbul should be Hagia Sophia. Hagia Sophia is not only one of the most well known tourist destination in Istanbul. The museum is one of the greatest buildings in human history.
Hagia Sophia History
This building built in 537 as a church and it became a mosque in 1453. Today, since 1935, it has found a new purpose as one of the world’s most popular museums.
There are so many things to see in Hagia Sophia and they are all fascinating. In the museum, there is a story to tell about each floor, every door and every wall.
In the wall, you’ll see a lot of the church’s magnificent Byzantine mosaics. These mosaics have survived the centuries in superb condition, thanks mainly to Muslim sensitivities.
The museum’s dome is a true architectural wonder. Measuring in at 55 meters in height and 32 meters in diameter.
With 40 windows that allow in abundant light, this dome was by far the largest ever attempted when it was constructed. Especially with the two half-domes which exaggerate its size, the dome creates an illusion of immense space.
The Museum is open for visit every day. At the winter, the museum is open for visit at 09.00 to 17.00. During the summer, the visiting hours are between 09.00 and 19.00.
About of Hagia Sophia Museum
> The Hagia Sophia Museum was included in the list of UNESCO List of World Heritage.
> Sophia is the Greek word for wisdom. The full name of Hagia Sophia in Greek is ‘Shrine of the Holy Wisdom of God‘.
> Hagia Sophia was designed by a physicist, a mathematician and a scientist.
> The Museum’s design was an inspiration for other mosques. For example; the Blue Mosque and Sultan Ahmed Mosque.
> When the church was turned into a mosque they removed the alter, the bells, iconostasis, as well as the sacrificial vessels.
