Visit Sainte-Sophie Basilica: tickets, prices, schedules

On a trip to Istanbul? You will necessarily take the time to visit the Basilica of St. Sophia.

The city of Istanbul, sheltered behind its walls, has always embodied the tediness and splendor. Your walk, along the theatres of its streets, entanglements of alleys, cosmopolitan frogs, will necessarily lead you to the Basilica of St.

A true historical and architectural prowess, returned to the mosque in 2020, Sainte-Sophie is the symbol of Istanbul. Outside as in it, its beauty rivals all the wonders of the world. Its domes and minarets, whipping the sky of the East, are even more sumptuous seen from the inside.

The mosaics of gold, silver, glass and precious stones, floral and geometric motifs, splendid doors, precious marbles: you must see it to believe it. Visit the Basilica of Saint-Sophie: you are shown the essentials to plan your visit.

History of St. Sophia Basilica

This strong symbol of the Byzantine Empire has toned time and trials since 537. Sainte-Sophie was the icon of Christianity for more than ten centuries. It is also the masterpiece of all records. Starting with the duration of its construction site: less than six years. Its daring dome spreads over 30 meters in diameter and culminates at almost sixty meters from the ground.

Based on four huge pillars, the basilica is simply an architectural wonder. Nothing was too beautiful for Aya Sofya (the original name of Sainte-Sophie) and in the eyes of Emperor Justinian who ordered his construction. The latter wanted to please his wife but also to compete with the splendor of the temple Jerusalem .

In 1453, the basilica was transformed into a mosque and enriched by the sultans. There was an immense chandelier hanging, adorned with Byzantine mosaics and replaced the cross with a crescent. It was then built as a museum before returning to a mosque in 2020.

This identity crusade gives a unique character to the monument. In the Basilica of St.Sophia, Muslims pray in the midst of biblical scenes. However, Christian pieces are concealed during the five daily Muslim prayers.

Our tips to visit the Basilica of Saint-Sophie

The rules

Place of worship obliges, to visit the Basilica of St. Sophia forced to some rules.

• ♪ women should cover their heads ;
• All visitors must remove their shoes and cover their legs and shoulders ;
• A point of sale scarard exists on site;
• Access is done in a way separated for women and men, before they can join in;
• Finally, know that the use of trippids is forbidden.

Duration of visit

Once your tickets for the Basilica of St. Sophia in your pocket, a minium of 1:30 visit is required. However, count more time if you opt for one guided tour . To save time, do not hesitate to bring you a ticket cut-file (including visit accompanied by a Local guide ).

The best time to visit the Basilica of Saint-Sophie

The ideal is to arrive at the opening , when many visitors emerge just from their bed. Don’t miss admiring the monument dayfall . The sunset gives the basilica dazzling colors. Then in total darkness, when it lights up, it offers a spectacular view.

What to do during your visit to the Basilica of St. Sophia?

The exterior

Visiting the Basilica of St. Sophia begins with the exterior, recognisable from very far. Restricted by antisismic counterforts, the stones that seem to weigh the structure are essential. They allow architecture to support the weight of the inner dome. Your eyes then cling to the pink minarets between which a dome stands.

Once the visit is complete, you will see it outside. You then pass, like the Emperor, the vestibule and an admirable bronze door. In the course, on the left, is the old baptistery transformed into an oil factory by the Ottomans and then a tomb to accommodate two illustrious sultans.

On the right, the fountain with ablutions bathing in holy water. Then far, other tombs whose richness continues to defect visitors. This real mausoleum rosary guides you, while dreaming, towards the exit...

The inside

Once the massive exterior is exceeded, the splendour of the Basilica of St. Sophia is revealed. The finesse and wealth jump into the eyes like a tide of stars. To the right, the old church of Theodose II. Then, an imposing nave, a demeasured cedar door, a majestic mosaic of Christ, green marble slabs worn by the trampling of the immediate guards.

Raise your eyes on the irresistible air dome. Tuf, light and pink bricks give it a princier look. The mosaic pavements, silver ensembles, massive gold inlaid with stonework, marble minarets and mural frescoes give the towernis.

Despite the hypnotic show, don’t forget to pass through the sweating column that would have the power to hear the vows and cure the evils.

The rostrums

If visiting the Basilica of Saint-Sophie is a wonder in itself, wait to see the galleries of the galleries. Behind the dazzling doors, under golden ceilings, they shelter the most beautiful representations of the holy place. The correctness of the traits and the nuances of colours attest to a unique and refined know-how.

Take a look at the bas-reliefs that symbolize hell and paradise, note the marble parapet that stretches the floor, observe the finesse of the portrait of Empress Zoé. Run the shrine against the mosaics of the Virgin, Christ and the angel Gabriel.

Take a look at the Ottoman calligraphy panels that transcribe the name of Allah, the Prophet and the first four caliphs. The whole, in a golden atmosphere and under a constellation of small windows pierced.

How much does a ticket cost to the Basilica of St. Sophia?

Since July 24, 2020, when the monument has returned to a mosque, tickets for the Basilica of St. Sophia are free .

How to book an online ticket for the Basilica of St. Sophia?

You can easily book your ticket for the Basilica of Saint-Sophie on Internet . This option, offered by many tourist booking sites, allows you to benefit from the cut-file option . To benefit from the free, it is not not possible to book your ticket online and in advance .

Are there guided tours of the Basilica of St. Sophia?

It is quite possible to opt for one guided tour . It is even the best way to grasp the importance of this symbolic monument and swept with stories. The first prizes around 13€ .

Are there visits combined with other monuments?

Tickets for Sainte-Sophie are combinable with other unmistakable monuments of Istanbul. For example, couple the entrance of the Basilica to that of the Topkapi Palace (main residence of the Ottoman sultans) or that of the Blue Mosque (the most exceptional in the whole country).

Otherwise, choose one City Pass . This allows you a great economy on the entrance price of the city’s remarkable sites.

• The Welcome Card: for one 50 euros, you can visit the Basilica of Saint-Sophie with a cut-file ticket, the Topkapi Palace, the Basilica and the Bosphorus by boat. Valid during one week, you also benefit from 10 trips public transport and English-speaking guide to each of your visits. The option to 85€ (valued five days) includes more tourist sites and experiences;
• The Museum Pass: includes thirteen tourist sitesincluding the Basilica of St. Sophia. This pass is valid five days and costs approximately 35€ ;
• Tourist Pass: includes entrance free to more thirty-five tourist attractions with guided tours, one free mobile Internet connection for 72 hours, one cruise on the Bosphorus, access to the tourist lines BigBus and even one ceremony rotating derviches. The Pass is valid two, three, five or seven days. The price starts at 95€ for 48h and climb up to 145€ the week.

Opening hours

Visit the Basilica of Saint-Sophie is possible according to time of prayer (five times a day, the site is thus inaccessible). The rest of the time is open to the public seven days a week except for Friday until 3pm .

How to access the Basilica of Saint-Sophie?

To get to the Basilica of St. Sophia, the easiest way is to borrow it tram T1 and to descend Sultanahmet (neighborhood of Sainte-Sophie, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Archaeology Museum). ♪ metro , the nearest station is that of Vezneciler (line M2) .

Where to park near the Saint-Sophie Basilica?

Although there are parking lots in Istanbul and some options to park in the city, we absolutely do not recommend circulate by car . Therefore, you will not have to park near Sainte-Sophie.

Where to stay near Saint-Sophie Basilica?

The Basilica of Saint-Sophie sits in the heart of the historic city and more precisely in the “Cornel d’Or” . This neighborhood is the most interesting and emblematic of the city, the one you easily fall in love with. Built in mosques, museums, tedious palaces, old wood facades, bazaars and minarets, this old stambouliot district is a perfect drop point to sleep.

To find the right solution, use a Compare hotels . Charming small hotels are also present in the surrounding area, as well as an excellent offer of apartments in Airbnb .