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Turkey & the Balkans
Hagia Sophia
Istanbul, Türkiye
A monument uniting Byzantine domes with Islamic art — the first giant dome in history. After the conquest it became a mosque, later a museum, and returned to being a mosque in 2020, remaining Istanbul's historic icon.
Story & history
Justinian built it in the 6th century as a wonder of the world; the Conqueror turned it into a mosque in 1453, adding minarets and shrines, and in 2020 it returned to service as a mosque.
Getting there
Pin the site on the map or head straight there with your maps app; opening hours and access vary by season.
Quick facts
- Dome diameter 31 meters
- Returned to a mosque in 2020
- The city's most famous historic symbol
Visiting tip
The five prayers are open to worshippers; guided visits run between them.