Hagia Sophia: Queue-free entry

Hagia Sophia is one of the most transcendent monumental domes in architectural history: originally a Byzantine basilica, then a mosque and today a monument of universal significance. Its gigantic interior space, the Byzantine mosaics and the structure of the dome reflect centuries of religious, artistic and political history between East and West. The building exemplifies the confluence of architectural and religious traditions; touring its naves allows one to contemplate Christian mosaics, Islamic inscriptions and the spatial grandeur that inspired generations of architects. Its status and continuous restorations provide a vivid reading of its complex history. To visit Hagia Sophia is to enter a cultural epicenter where art, faith and global history intertwine.