A beautiful monument, a wonder of architecture. The huge dome is suspended, no supporting columns seen. Isn't it a pity to obstruct the interior views with a "working floor to ceiling ladder"? When the tourist guide was asked how long this ladder is in the monument the reply was "I remember it since my grandfather's time! Quite a time for a restoration...Please remove it.

I simply fell in love with it.It has a magical power and it gives you an overwelming feeling.I will strongly recomend it to all history lovers to definately visit it.Ill take my kids to see this wonder .

It was one of the most strange places I've ever been because of combine Christian and Islamic religion symbols in one place. It's really worth to visit.

we have visited st. sophia before a month and it was really enjoyable. we have read about it too much before our travel to istanbul but we have seen that it was nothing since we had it with a professional guide and he told us every corner and every detail mucher than we expected.
Finally we highly recommend to visit St. Sophia especially with a professional guide. privateguidance@gmail.com just to have an option.

The Aya Sofya is amazing with its history. If those walls could talk. The security guards were very nice at the Aya Sofya and even offered to take some pictures for us as they have a practiced eye. The only bad thing that I can say about this area is the annoying salespeople trying to "act" friendly and helpful. The first day, one guy ...

Having been there twice, I have to write that I had good adventures both times.

I particularly like the reasonable small hotels in Sultanamet,within walking distance of many tourist sites. They are not 3-5 star hotels, but they are comfortable,clean,and usually include breakfast for the price.
Also, if you are brave enough, I have found that I ...

The Hagia Sopia is a gem in Istanbul that few in the USA really know about or have experianced.
We were thrilled when we went into the Sopia and walked the rooms and touched the walls and viewed the mosaic.
It is a must see in Istanbul!

It's an overwhelming structure. It was built by the Emperor Justinian II at about the period of 700 AD.
Justinian II was perhaps the greatest Emperor of the
Byzantine Empire but with the exception of Constantine I (The Great). Constantine established the new Capitol of the Roman Empire in Constantinople (now re-named Istanbul) at about 370 ...

It had so much atmosphere! Given the age of the structure, it's not surprising. So old
that grooves are worn into the stone steps
leading inside. Great architecture - fantastic mosaics.