Hagia Sophia is considered the best example of Byzantine architecture and a symbol of the former greatness of this country. Initially, it was an Orthodox church, in the 15th century it was turned into a Mosque mosque. Today, the cathedral is one of the most luxurious museums in the world, which you can not refuse to visit.

A bit of history

The history of this temple dates back more than a thousand years, since the 4th century, churches have been repeatedly erected, but for various reasons (fire, earthquakes, enemy raids) from these structures did not remain a stone on the stone. In 994 the Cathedral of St. Sophia was rebuilt for the eighth time, but it was consecrated in 537, and then its official history began.

The construction of the cathedral was initiated by the Byzantine emperor Justinian, who wanted to display in it all the might and wealth of Byzantium, and also make him the personification of his own greatness. Some of the best architects of the time, Isidore of Miletus and Anthimius of Thrall, worked on the construction of the temple, more than a dozen thousand handymen worked daily. The most expensive building materials were brought from all corners of the world.

In general, Justinian planned to cover the marble walls with gold, but he was predicted that the temple would be seized and plundered in the future, so he had to abandon his grandiose venture . However, for construction the frame was spent an amount equal to the two annual budgets of the Byzantine Empire . For its construction, not only incredibly expensive materials were used, but also completely new technologies, for example, to make cement stronger, vegetable oil was added to it, and lime was diluted with water infused with grains barley .

Interiors

But the dome stands out, before this the world has not seen the construction of such a structure, for the first time bent triangular arches (sails) bent in a special way, they were supported by four pillars, connected by numerous arches, which served as windows. Thanks to this, it seems that the dome floats in weightlessness, and the cathedral itself radiates the sunlight.

For many years, many values ​​(in particular the gold altar) were taken out, the old wall murals were painted with lime, the architectural ensemble was supplemented with minarets, the Orthodox symbols were replaced by the Muslim one. But, despite this, the Cathedral of St. Sophia has not lost its splendor and is still considered one of the greatest temples of the world.

How to get to St. Sophia's Cathedral

You can get to the cathedral every day except Monday
from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, the entrance costs approximately 3, 5 EUR

Reviews of the Hagia Sophia (5)

Evaluation 10

The beauty and grandeur of Byzantine architecture 06 May 2014

Lena

was here in June 2012

The first impression of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is the gigantic dimensions and unusual forms of construction, with laconic external dyeing. The cost of admission is about 15 dollars. Of course, the queue of those wishing to get acquainted with the inner part of the shrine is very impressive and even frightens off tourists, but do not be afraid, it moves briskly enough. Among the visitors there are many Christians and Muslims, because the temple belongs to both religions. At the entrance to the cathedral there is a covered gallery where you can ... Read the full review

Evaluation 10

Former greatness of Byzantium March 13, 2014

Marina

was here in January 2014

Absolute must see Istanbul, despite the decent ticket price. And although I was already there two years earlier, on this visit I went there again. I was lucky enough - my husband refused to join the culture again, and I went to the cathedral early in the morning on January 1 - it was open and there were very few people, thanks to which I stayed practically alone with Eternity for almost two hours. I'm not a religious person, but I still do not turn my tongue to call this place a museum, and huge shields with inscriptions ... Read the whole review

Evaluation 10

It's good that the sultans did not destroy February 14, 2014

Maria

was here in March 2013

For a long time she dreamed of seeing Aya Sofia, read about her a lot and watched documentaries. I went there on my first day in Istanbul. From the very first glance the Council impressed me with its size. All the same, in reality this is quite different than on video. There were a lot of tourists and we even had to defend the queue for tickets. And finally we went inside. The room is simply huge, there you are lost, I do not even know how many thousands people can fit there. When I saw Aya, Sofia understood why the sultan ... Read the whole review

Evaluation 10

Aya Sophia, the church of the mosque or just a historical monument? January 28, 2014

Olga

was here in June 2013

If you came to Istanbul, then it is not possible to bypass Ai Sofya, and even miss Ai Soviu - to miss all the fun. As for me, there is much more interesting and beautiful than in the Blue Mosque and Top Kapi Palace. Initially, Ai Sophia was a church, then a mosque was made from her, minarets were completed, then again turned into a church, and now it's just a museum of history and architecture. By the way, my friend, who lives in Istanbul, says that the current government wants to make it again operational ... Read the whole review

Evaluation 10

A grand story in stone December 11, 2013

Natalya

was here in May 2013

We rested in Istanbul in the historic part of the city and the windows of our hotel overlooked the Hagia Sophia. So, every day I was in this city, I had the opportunity to admire this beauty. Particularly great view was from the hotel terrace. On the second day after our arrival, we visited this amazing work of art. The entrance ticket cost about 500 rubles, you can pay only by Turkish lira. At first sight the Cathedral gives the impression of something huge and unassailable. It is surrounded by ... Read full review