Ayasofya: 7 tips for visiting the iconic building

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Practical tips for visiting Ayasofya, Istanbul's most famous building, including the best visiting time, how to avoid crowds and things that should not be missed

ayasofya (or Hagia Sophia in Greek) is one of the most famous buildings in Istanbul. It adorns travel brochures and high -gloss magazines and even has a guest appearance in the video game Assassin’s Creed.

The 1,500 -year -old building is considered the most important of the Byzantine era and is one of the world's largest monuments. Ayasofya was completed in 537 AD and was the largest cathedral in the world for almost a thousand years until the Sevilla Cathedral was completed in 1520.

Ayasofya and its central dome, a huge diameter of 32 meters (105 feet), watch over Istanbul and offer a beguiling view from the inside and outside. How to do the best of your time there.

1. Avoid queues with a museum fun

To avoid long queues at Ayasofya, buy an Istanbul museum fun in your hotel or hostel in advance. The passport costs the equivalent of $ 42 and grants access to 13 attractions throughout Istanbul. It entitles you to one museum once and is valid for five days (120 hours) from the first use. You can buy the pass online or in your hotel.

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2. In the evening visit to Ayasofya

Most travel guides will tell you that you should visit a visit in the morning to avoid the crowds. However, the locals advise you to visit the evening, about two hours before closure (see opening times below).

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It is worth visiting the area again after dark. With Ayasofya on one side and the blue mosque on the other side, the landscape is both surreal and magical after dark.

Note that Ayasofya is closed on the first days of the Ramadan and at some festivals. Check the visitor information for updates.

3. Avoid Friday morning

The nearby Blue Mosque is closed until 2.30 p.m. due to Friday prayers, and Ayasofya often absorbs overcrowding. To avoid the masses, avoid a visit during this time. We were told that Wednesday and Thursday are good days for a visit.

4. Prepare for the scaffolding building!

In Ayasofya, restoration work is currently being carried out, so they are prepared for scaffolding and unsightly white barriers.

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kia inside Ayasofya with scaffolding and white barriers

Between the crowds and the works it can be difficult to photograph the breathtaking interior, but if you plan your entry at the right time, you will surely take something impressive.

5. Do not bring a tripod with

tripods are not allowed in Ayasofya, so leave yours in the hotel. If you accidentally have yours with you, you will be asked to leave it with the security personnel. You will receive a ticket that you can use to pick up the tripod when the exit.

6. Don't miss the upper galleries

During our visit, it was not obvious that we had access to the upper galleries of Ayasofya. You may be able to overlook this without prior research.

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access the galleries via the ramp at the northern end of the inner narthex. There you can explore the rich mosaics that represent different religious fables. Some of the best preserved are located in the southern gallery.

7. Try your luck at the wine column

around the corner from the ramp to the galleries you may see a crowd that is waiting in line. This is the queue for the wine column.

To follow the ritual, put your thumb into the column, turn it completely in clockwise and take it out. Legend says that they are healed by all their suffering when their thumb is wet!

ayasofya: The essentials

Was: Visit to Ayasofya in Istanbul, Turkey.

Where: We stayed in the Sirkeci Mansion Hotel in the old town of Istanbul and were absolutely enthusiastic about this jewel from a hotel. It is located in a picturesque street that offers both an oasis of calm away from the masses and the closeness to the largest sights in the city. The blue mosque and Ayasofya are only 10 minutes' walk away!

When: The best time to travel for Istanbul is spring (March to mid -June) when the weather is moderate and the days are. Note that it can rain a day or two, especially in April.

We visited at the end of May and had a day washing out. However, the other days were wonderful. Autumn (Sept. Okt.) Is the second best travel time. Summer is hot and full, while winter can be cold and rainy. The opening times of the Ayasofya are in summer (April 15 to October 25) from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and in winter (October 26 to April 14) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Note that the last admission is one hour before closure.

like: Ayasofya can be reached via a short walk from Sirkeci Mansion Hotel. If you live further away, you can use Istanbul's reliable subway system to move away. Taxis are slightly available, but we preferred to use the much cheaper subway.

Istanbul has connections to several international airports. Book via Skyscanner at the best prices.

Note: Due to the recent unrest in Turkey reads, the FCO travel instructions before your visit.

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Lonely planet Turkey is a comprehensive guide for Turkey ideal for those who want to explore the most important sights and take the less busy street.
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