Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), Istanbul (must see)

Designated as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO, the Hagia Sophia is a true architectural marvel. Built between 532 and 537 by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I, the church is said to have revolutionized architectural history with its massive dome, towering at 180 feet and spanning 100 feet in width. The structure is surrounded by four Ottoman-era minarets, which were added later.
history is a tapestry of religious and cultural transitions. Initially constructed as a cathedral, the Hagia Sophia served as the spiritual and religious center of the Eastern Orthodox Church for nearly a millennium.

After the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire in 1453, Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror converted the Hagia Sophia into a mosque. In this transformation, many Christian elements, including the bells, altar, iconostasis, ambo, and baptistery, were removed, while Christian iconography was either taken down or concealed.

Nonetheless, one of the most intriguing aspects of the Hagia Sophia is the harmonious coexistence of both Islamic and Christian symbols. The central mihrab, which indicates the direction of Mecca, is juxtaposed with an apse mosaic portraying the Virgin and Child, symbolizing the transition from a cathedral to a mosque.

The Hagia Sophia features an array of breathtaking mosaics, with some dating back to the 9th century CE. Among them is the Deësis mosaic from the 13th century, depicting Christ flanked by John the Baptist and the Virgin Mary.

Among the fascinating features of the Hagia Sophia is the 'wishing column' in the northwest of the building. Tradition has it that placing your thumb in the hole and making a wish by twisting your wrist can have healing or wish-granting powers. Legend holds that Justinian himself experienced relief from a headache after leaning against this column.

With the building now used once again as a place of worship, the Hagia Sophia History Museum has found a new home within the historic Ibrahim Pasha Palace located a mere 2-minute walk from the Hagia Sophia Mosque.

Why You Should Visit:
Unique in being both a church and a mosque, with pertinent symbols omnipresent.
The multi-domed enclosure is so mesmerizing that it's hard to take one's eyes off it!

Tip:
There is no entrance fee to visit Hagia Sophia Mosque, but donations are welcome. With the Istanbul Tourist Pass, you can enjoy discounted admission to Hagia Sophia History Museum. Be sure to visit either before or after your Free Guided Hagia Sophia Tour.