Turkish authorities decide: Entrance fee for Hagia Sophia begins, ticket costs 25 euros

(Patria) - Hagia Sophia is one of the most popular historical artifacts in Istanbul. Hagia Sophia, which served as a museum for years, was converted back into a mosque in 2020.

It is located in Sultanahmet, the most visited district of Istanbul. This 1,500-year-old historical monument is visited by an average of 3 million people annually.

It was built as a church in 537. It was the most important church in Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire.

Hagia Sophia became a mosque in 1453 when the Ottomans conquered Constantinople. Hagia Sophia, which served as a mosque until the 1900s, remained a museum for about 90 years during the republican period until the decision to make it a mosque again.

As of today, January 15, entrance to Hagia Sophia will be charged 25 euros, a decision by the Turkish authorities. With a ticket, you enter through a special entrance for tourists and can also visit the gallery on the second floor.

Free entry will be for local residents who wish to perform prayers.