From a distance you can recognize the oxblood red colour which strengthens its walls. Its splendour and unique style cannot leave you indifferent! Hagia Sophia has become, over time, a must see on any holiday to Turkey. A monument which is loaded with history and has been the witness of successive occupations of the city, I consider visiting it as a first step towards the rich Turkish culture.
Strong from its religious evolutions, Hagia Sophia is adorned with different symbols. A crescent moon and a star embellish the outside of the dome, whereas Christian mosaics cover the interior walls. I like Hagia Sophia because of its different feel.
When you visit, don't forget to go up to see the upper gallery. Collections of religious objects have been preserved and are exhibited there. It's also a more strategic place to admire the imposing dome which has a diameter of 32 metres.
Byzance, Constantinope, Istanbul: it's all the grandeur of these successive eras that the walls of Hagia Sophia emit.