Hagia Sophia, where centuries of culture and faith live side by side 🕌🕊️

We visited Hagia Sophia 🕌, one of the most famous landmarks in the world. It's hard to describe how big it actually is until you stand inside. The building dates back to the 6th century and has been a church, a mosque, and a museum before being reopened for worship again. We loved the marble floors and massive domes. The chandeliers hang fairly low, and you can still see come old Christian mosaics above the arches next to large panels of Arabic calligraphy. Even with the crowd, it was a lovely experience. Hagia Sophia has two separate entrances, one for visitors and one for worshippers. It's good to check the signs 🪧, as the queues form in different areas. The visitor line moves fairly quickly, and only a small portion of the mosque is open to foreigners who are visiting 📷. For the ladies 👩🧕: Hagia Sophia wasn't like some other mosques we've seen where there's a casual stand of scarves or shawls outside. Entry here was more official as staff monitored the line, and respectful dress was required (for both men and women) considering it's a sacred place of worship 🙏, not just a tourist site. It was disappointing to see several tourists trying to enter without following the dress rules, even after being told repeatedly. It's important to remember you're in an active mosque/place of faith. Being mindful of where you are, lowering your voice, and dressing properly goes a long way, and the local staff and visitors truly appreciate it. Some tips for visiting Hagia Sophia: 🕑 Timing: Early morning/late evening is best if you want to avoid crowds. 🚪 Where to go: There are two separate entrances, one for visitors and one for worshippers (female/male worshippers also have their own lines). 🧕 Dress code: Modest clothing is required for both men and women. 🤫 Inside etiquette: Keep your voices low and phones on silent out of respect. 📸 Photos: Photos are allowed, but avoid flash or pointing cameras at people praying. 💵 Cost: Visitors pay an entrance fee of €25 per person. Worshippers can enter for free at time of prayer. 🕌 Tip: If you like history and architecture, spend a few minutes just looking up! The domes and ceiling architecture are exquisite. #travel #istanbul #hagiasophia #turkey #naturalwonders #culture #history