HAGIA SOPHIA MUSEUM

The Hagia Sophia is now referred to as the Aya Sofya. It was the house of worship that served several religions for a long time. Built-in 537 AD, it was first meant to be a Greek Eastern Orthodox Church built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian. In the 12th Century, it served as a Roman Catholic Church for nearly sixty decades. From 1453 to 1931 it continued to be a mosque. In 1935 it reopened as a museum. It is a haven for architects as it is the pinnacle of Byzantine architecture. Take a good look at murals, tiles, intricate decor, and so much more inside. This is one of the stunning places to visit in Istanbul if you are easily thrown off by valued history!