Hagia Sophia - Free Audio Guide

Located in Istanbul's historic Sultanahmet district, Ayasofya-i Kebir Câmi-i Şerifi (Hagia Sophia) is a monumental 6th‑century structure originally completed in 537 CE under Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Renowned for its vast central dome, innovative pendentive construction, rich marble, and surviving Byzantine mosaics, it served as the preeminent cathedral of Constantinople for centuries. Following the Ottoman conquest in 1453 it was converted into a mosque, later designated a museum in the 20th century, and returned to mosque status in 2020; the building reflects successive Christian and Islamic layers of art, architecture, and inscription. Key attractions include the dome, imperial galleries, notable mosaics such as the Virgin and Child and Deësis panels, the mihrab, minbar, and exterior minarets. As an active place of worship, public access is regulated around prayer and conservation needs; admission arrangements and accessibility provisions exist but vary, and some interior zones may have restricted access for conservation or liturgical reasons.