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Little Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

4.7
#10 of 247 in Historic Sites in Istanbul
Religious Site · Hidden Gem · Tourist Spot
Originally built as an octagonal church topped by a large central dome, Little Hagia Sophia inspired the design of Hagia Sophia. Legend has it that Byzantine Emperor Justinian commissioned the church in 527 to honor the patron saints of soldiers, Saints Sergius and Bacchus, who saved him from a death sentence. Take an all-encompassing view of the interior from the gallery. The white walls, once covered in golden mosaics, are now adorned with Arabic calligraphy. Notice the inscription in Greek around the central nave dedicated to the Emperor Justinian, his wife Theodora, and Saint Sergius. The outside court features a small garden, a fountain, several teahouses, bookshops, and calligraphy boutiques. A small cemetery north of the building houses the grave of Hüseyin Ağa, the 16th-century founder of the mosque. Put Little Hagia Sophia at the forefront of your travel plans using our Istanbul road trip app.
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Tours to Little Hagia Sophia

FROM $40 BOOK WITH VIATOR Half-Day Private Tour: Istanbul Shore Excursion With Topkapi Palace
5.0
Duration: 4 hours
Tours from $40 »
FROM $38 BOOK WITH VIATOR Istanbul Half Day Afternoon Tour: Topkapi Palace and Little Hagia Sophia
1.0
Duration: 4 hours
Tours from $38 »
FROM $594 BOOK WITH VIATOR Byzantine Heritage of Istanbul Walking Tour
Duration: 6 hours
Tours from $594 »
FROM $71 BOOK WITH VIATOR A Private Turkish Delight in Istanbul
Duration: 7 hours
Tours from $71 »
FROM $718 BOOK WITH VIATOR Istanbul 5-Day City Package with Hotel, City Tours and Airport Transfers
Duration: 5 days
Tours from $718 »

Little Hagia Sophia reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
1,153 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • By ralex65
    Now it's mosque, but long centuries ago - one of the first Chrisitan church in Byzantium. While being there admit Bapthisterium (8-cornered building nearby) - proof of antiquity of this place.  more »
  • By 887furkand
    Little hagia sofia if you coming to istanbul need to see! The historical a place in istanbul❤❤❤ we like it very much  more »
  • By Zia_Khan
    We were staying about 50 meters away and a random walk in the neighborhood brought me here one night. The aura of this place transfers you to a different age. This is also known as Little Hagia Sofia....  more »
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Google
  • By Lija Rahman
    Small mosque that was converted during the ottoman era with exquisite design to adore. It is a away from the main sights but given when we went to the blue mosque it was under restoration this was a treat to view a whole in its full glory without scaffolding.
  • By Alan Walmsley
    A bright gem in Istanbul. Formerly a church built in the time of the Byzantine emperor Justinian (6th century CE), it became a mosque in the Ottoman period and functions as such today. It is a serene and refreshing place in the midst of the city, so leave time to relax and reflect. Not as busy as other places. This is not a place you will regret seeing!
  • By Roberto Ricci
    Sophia was on the bucket list let me tell you this, it should have been at the top! A fantastic experience.
  • By Mohammed Shafique
    An often missed Gem 500m from the blue Mosque. Extremely relaxing place with a cafe and an artisan court for those personalised memorabilia
  • By Rashida Badlawala
    A quaint and peaceful mosque that's built like a mini version of the actual Hagia Sophia. Located in the main area of Sultanahmet and at a walking distance from the Blue Mosque.
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