Little Hagia Sophia

The octagonal structure features a central dome supported by eight pillars, with two-story arcades and marble columns adorned with intricate capitals.

Emperor Justinian I commissioned the church in 527 CE to honor Saints Sergius and Bacchus, with construction completed in 536 by architect Isidore of Miletus.

The building exhibits a transition between religious functions, as evidenced by the integration of Islamic elements into the original Byzantine Christian architecture.

Visitors must remove shoes and women need to cover their heads when entering the mosque, which remains closed to tourists during daily prayer times.

The structure contains original column capitals bearing monograms of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora, preserved through centuries of architectural modifications.

Location: Istanbul

Location: Fatih

Inception: 526

Founders: Justinian I

Architects: Isidore of Miletus

Architectural style: Byzantine architecture, Ottoman architecture

Made from material: brick

Address: 13 Kücük Ayasofya Caddesi 34122

GPS coordinates: 41.00278,28.97194

Latest update: May 27, 2025 08:45