Little Aya Sofya Mosque/Küçük Ayasofya Camii, A Timeless Testament to Byzantine Artistry
Kucuk Ayasofya Mh 34122 Fatih Istanbul, Turkey
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Introduction
The Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus was originally a Byzantine building, built between 527 and 536 AD, earlier than the construction of the Hagia Sophia. The church is located in Istanbul and is still one of the most beautiful Byzantine buildings in the city. Its dome and irregular octagonal base are very special. The interior of the church was originally decorated with golden mosaics and red and green marble columns. Over time, the church was converted into a mosque in 1500 and was renovated by the Ottoman palace eunuch, Hüseyin Ağa. All the mosaics were removed, but the marble columns were preserved. On some of the column capitals, the initials of Emperor Justinian I and his wife Empress Theodora can still be seen. Address Kucuk Ayasofya Mh 34122 Fatih Istanbul, Turkey
Opening hours All day, but Muslim prayer time visitors are admitted free of charge.
Transportation Tram: Travel south between Sultanahmet station and Çemberlitaş station.
