Hagia Sophia Location

Hagia Sophia Location: Unveiling Istanbul's Historical Treasure Map

Explore the architectural prowess and historical heritage of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires at Hagia Sophia which is a 1500-year old landmark dominating the skyline of Istanbul. Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction in Istanbul that lures history enthusiasts, architects and artists from all over the world. It is located in the Sultanahmet Square of the Istanbul city, near Topkapi Palace and across from the Blue Mosque.


The central position of the Hagia Sophia location makes it easily accessible and can be reached by all types of public transportation like bus, train, metro and tram. 

As you step into the mosque, you can see that it is a unique monument that showcases an idyllic blend of the architectural styles of both a church and mosque. Originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia was known as the Church of Holy Wisdom.


You can still witness the elements of the church in the mosque including the huge 32-metre main dome, two semi-domes on the east and west and 30 million golden Byzantine mosaics adorning the interior. Upon the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the church was converted into a mosque. You can see the addition of a beautiful Islamic calligraphy collection on the interior walls, wooden minarets, a large chandelier, a mihrab and minbar, further enhancing the architectural splendour of the mosque.

Location of Hagia Sophia

Location: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye


Hagia Sophia is located in the European part of Sultanahmet Square in the Faith district of Istanbul in Turkey. The Hagia Sophia location is only 1.8 kms from Topkapi Palace and is situated across the Blue Mosque. The distance between the mosque and Istanbul International Airport is around 20 kms.

Modes of Transport to Reach Hagia Sophia

By Car
By Bus
By Train
By Tram
By Metro
  • Driving directly to Hagia Sophia is one of the fastest ways to reach the mosque.
  • It takes about 1 hour to drive from Istanbul International Airport to Hagia Sophia and there are two ways to reach the Hagia Sophia location.
  • You can either take the D020 route or 0-7 route to reach the mosque as both the routes take approximately the same time. While the D020 route takes you to the mosque within an hour, the 0-7 route takes 1 hour and 8 minutes.
  • It is advisable to check Google Maps for Hagia Sophia direction to decide which route to take to drive to the mosque from the airport.
  • There are no parking facilities at Hagia Sophia but there are parking lots nearby where you can park your car.
  • Ispark Otopark is the nearest parking facility from where you can walk to the mosque in 2 minutes.
  • Some of the other parking lots near Hagia Sophia direction are Dalbasti Parking, Naz Otopark, Sports Car Park and Ispark.


Read More: Things To Do Near Hagia Sophia

  • Located only 445 metres from Hagia Sophia, Eminönü İskele - Yeşilköy Yönü is the nearest bus stop to the mosque. You can walk from the bus stop to the Hagia Sophia direction in just 7 minutes.
  • You can also board a bus to Çatladıkapı - Yenikapı Yönü bus stop which is just 15 minutes away from Hagia Sophia Mosque.
  • Buses on lines 35A, 36, 36ES, 38, 38Z,97, and 92B take you to the Hagia Sophia location.
  • The first bus to the mosque reaches at 6:06 AM while the last bus to the mosque is BN1 which reaches at 12:18 AM.
  • Istanbul International Airport is located 20 kms from Hagia Sophia and it takes about 1 hour to reach the mosque by bus.


Also Read: Facts About Hagia Sophia

  • The nearest train station to Hagia Sophia is Sirkeci which is just 751 metres away from the mosque and takes only 11 minutes to reach by foot.
  • You can take either the Marmaray (Atakoy - Pendik) train line or Marmaray (Halkalı - Gebze) train line to reach Hagia Sophia Mosque. 
  • The first train to the mosque reaches at 6:03 AM while the last train reaches at 12:12 AM.
  • You can also board a train from the Istanbul International Airport to Hagia Sophia direction which will take around 1 hour of journey.

Also Read: Tips To visit hagia Sophia

  • Sultanahmet is the nearest tram station to Hagia Sophia and is only a 7-minute walk from the mosque.
  • Trams on line T1 stop near Hagia Sophia location.
  • The first tram reaches the mosque at 6:10 AM while the last tram stops nearby at 12:53 AM.
  • It takes about 1 hour to reach Hagia Sophia from Istanbul Airport by tram.
  • The closest metro station to Hagia Sophia is Sultanahmet which is only 7 minutes away from the mosque.
  • You have to take metro trains on line M2 to reach the mosque.
  • The metro travel from Istanbul International Airport to Hagia Sophia direction takes about 50 minutes.

Attractions Near Hagia Sophia

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located 1.8 kms from Hagia Sophia Mosque, was the primary residence of Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years. Constructed in the 15th century, it was the administrative and cultural centre of the Ottoman empire.The palace features stunning architecture, lush gardens, plush courtyards and the Imperial Harem that depicts the country's glory. The Imperial treasury houses a vast collection of artefacts, including Ottoman treasures, Islamic relics, prized ornaments, imperial heirlooms and armours, making the palace a fascinating museum.

Grand Bazar

The Grand Bazaar, located 3.2 kms from Hagia Sophia, is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. It was constructed in the mid-15th century after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople to increase economic growth. Situated in the heart of the city, this bustling marketplace spans over 61 streets and houses around 4,000 shops offering an incredible variety of goods. You can shop for unique Turkish products and souvenirs including jewellery, apparels, ornamental lamps, ceramics, spices, and traditional Turkish crafts.

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a historical mosque in Istanbul that is right across the Hagia Sophia direction. Built in the early 17th century, its stunning architecture features six minarets, cascade of grand domes, huge courtyard and a vast prayer area. The interior of the mosque features elements from the Ottoman Empire, Byzantine Empire and traditional Islamic architecture. It is adorned with 260 colourful glasses, 20,000 blue iznik tiles with over 50 motifs and verses from the Quran.

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern, also known as the "Sunken Palace”, is an ancient underground water reservoir built during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century. The structure was built on Stoa Basilica and consists of 336 marble columns with intricately carved capitals, many of which were brought from ruined temples. The grandeur of the cistern, dimly lit ambiance, and reflection of the columns on the water create a captivating atmosphere, thus making the Basilica Cistern a summer retreat.

Egyptian Bazar

The Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Bazaar or Misir Carsisi, is a bustling marketplace in Istanbul that dates back to the 17th century. It is located in the Eminonu neighbourhood from where you can witness stunning views of the Galata Tower and Golden Horn. The bazaar has around 85 shops selling aromatic spices, exotic herbs, dried fruits, nuts, cheese, jam, coffee and a variety of Turkish delights. You can also shop for souvenirs like jewellery, ceramics, silver and traditional handicrafts.

Dolmabahce Palace

A fine example of historical significance, cultural heritage and architectural brilliance, Dolmabahce Palace is a stunning landmark in Istanbul. Built in the mid-19th century, it served as the primary residence and main administrative centre for the Ottoman Empire. The palace's design reflects a blend of Ottoman, Rococo, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles, featuring luxurious interiors with crystal chandeliers, intricate woodwork, and grand halls. It is presently a museum that features a huge collection of artwork, calligraphy and carpets.

FAQ’s for Hagia Sophia Location

Where is Hagia Sophia Located?

Hagia Sophia location is situated in the European part of the Sultanahmet area of the Fatih district in Istanbul. The mosque is only 1.8 kms from the Topkapi Palace and is located across from the Blue Mosque.

How to reach Hagia Sophia?

You can use public transport like bus, train, tram and metro, most of which have stops at Sultanahmet Square from where the Hagia Sopia is only 5 minutes away. You can also rent a cab or drive directly following the Hagia Sophia direction.

Are there any parking facilities at Hagia Sophia?

There are no car parking facilities at Hagia Sophia, but there are few car parking lots near the mosque which are just 3 minutes away from the Hagia Sophia location. Ispark Otopark, Dalbasti parking, Naz Otopark and Sports Car Park are some of the parking facilities near Hagia Sophia.

Check: Dolmabahce Palace Architecture

Which train station is closest to Hagia Sophia Location?

The closest train station to Hagia Sophia location is Sikeci which is just a 16-minute walk from the mosque.

What is the fastest way to get to Hagia Sophia?

One of the fastest ways to get to Hagia Sophia location is by taking a taxi and getting off right outside the mosque. If you wish to use public transportation to quickly reach Hagia Sophia, you can take a tram or metro train to Sultanahmet station from where you can walk to the mosque in less than 10 minutes.

What are the opening hours of Hagia Sophia?

Hagia Sophia is open 24X7 on all days of the week throughout the year, but is closed for non-worshippers during the prayer hours and noon prayers on Fridays.

Must Read: Hotels Near Topkapi Palace

Is photography allowed inside Hagia Sophia?

Yes, photography is allowed inside the Hagia Sophia but do not take pictures of people who are in the mosque to pray. It is important to stay silent without disturbing or standing in front of others while taking pictures of the mosque.

What is Hagia Sophia famous for?

Hagia Sophia Mosque is a significant landmark of Istanbul that depicts the history, culture and architectural brilliance of the city. Originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century, it was the principal church of the Byzantine Empire and later became a world-famous mosque during the Ottoman Empire. Hagia Sophia is famous for its Grand Central Dome, intricate Byzantine mosaics and ornate stonework.

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