Turkey
Hagia Sophia
Welcome to Istanbul! Hagia Sophia has been a church, a mosque, and a museum — all in one incredible building.
Why is it famous?
Its giant dome seemed to float in the air, amazing visitors for 1,500 years.
It bridges Europe and Asia, just like Istanbul itself.
How was it built?
Byzantine builders finished its huge dome in less than 6 years, an incredible feat for its time.
Later builders added towering minarets when it became a mosque.
Amazing facts
Its dome is 180 feet tall.
It was the largest building in the world for nearly a thousand years.
Quick facts
- Its dome is 180 feet tall.
- It was the largest building in the world for nearly a thousand years.
- It has beautiful golden mosaics inside.
- It sits right where Europe meets Asia.