When in Istanbul make every effort to visit the Sancta Sophia, once regarded as the greatest church in Christendom, until Constantinople fell and it was converted to a mosque. The Byzantine architecture of this magnificent edifice is such as will never be seen again. Work on rebuilding the church took five years, from 532 – 537, after it was destroyed in the riots of Nika Revolt in January 532. Considered one of man’s greatest creative achievements the Sancta Sophia stands witness to inspirational art.

Istanbul's Sancta Sophia is known by many names which have evolved over time, but this impressive building has been essentially the same for over 1400 years. Istanbul city has much to offer to tourists, including a brilliant selection of fine Istanbul hotels.