Museum The Mysteries of St. Sophia

Hello! Thank you for choosing our audio guide. It contains a separate collection of those places of the cathedral that somehow raise questions and disputes among scientists, so it has the word "Riddles" in its name. 

Due to the fact that the status of St. Sophia was changed in 2020 and it became a mosque, we will not be able to see many interesting details of the building on the first floor, and the gallery on the second floor is completely closed.

Tourists can visit Hagia Sophia for free, observing all the rules for visiting Muslim temples. Entrance is prohibited only during prayers. It is better to specify the prayer time on the official website or on the prayer website.

Recommendations:

* St. Sophia is worth visiting at 9-10 a.m., when there are still few tourists and worshippers and you can enjoy the architecture.

* Some tourists do not recommend coming to St. Sophia in the evening. They claim that daytime lighting allows you to consider every detail of the interior that may be overlooked in the evening.

* If possible, avoid visiting Hagia Sophia during prayers at noon on weekends and Fridays, as there will be a lot of people there.

* You must take off your shoes before entering the carpets of the mosque.

* Women should wear a headdress. At the entrance to the Hagia Sophia you can get handkerchiefs for free.

* Points 7 to 11 of the audio guide can be listened to in a place where most of the temple is visible. Sitting on the carpet, you will save energy and calmly get acquainted with St. Sophia.

* Please respect the five daily prayers in the mosque, do not make noise, do not run and do not stand in front of the worshippers.

* Some parts of the mosque used for prayers are temporarily closed to visitors during Friday afternoon worship.

* It is allowed to take pictures, but you should not take pictures of worshippers.

* If you visit the temple in winter, it is better to wear warmer socks, the marble floor, even through the carpet that covers it now, gives off cold in winter.

* It is enough to allocate 1.5-2 hours to inspect the temple.

For clarity, we have placed diagrams of the cathedral and marked dots indicating a particular story. Enjoy your stay and new experiences!