Hagia Sophia, located in Istanbul’s historic peninsula, was built between 532–537 by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Originally a basilica-style patriarchal cathedral, it was converted into a mosque in 1453 by Sultan Mehmed II and has served as a museum since 1935.

Architecturally, it combines basilica and central plans with a large dome, marking an important milestone in architectural history. The building preserves mosaics and stones from both Byzantine and Ottoman periods. The current structure is the third church built on the site, often called the “Third Hagia Sophia.”

🌐 www.hagiasophia.com
📍 3-minute walk from Kaftan Hotel