Immerse yourself in Istanbul’s religious art and architecture

It is worth visiting Turkey's mosques if you want to gain an insight into the country's culture, art, history, and faith. With over 3,000 mosques in Istanbul alone, embark on a half-day walking tour to see three mosques—Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Suleymaniye mosque.

Visit the iconic Hagia Sophia

Start your tour at Hagia Sophia, the magnificent Byzantine monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its historical links to the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, Hagia Sofia is one of the best architectural treasures. This iconic landmark has served as a Catholic church, a mosque, and a museum over its nearly 1,500-year history. It was built in the 6th century AD by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I in Constantinople (now Istanbul).

Find out what the name Blue Mosque means

Walk next to the Blue Mosque, originally named the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, after Sultan Ahmed I, who built it between 1609 and 1617. The mosque has a central dome, four elephant legs (Central columns), and classical Ottoman decoration. It is nicknamed the Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles outlaid in geometric patterns and floral designs.

See the impressive Suleymaniye Mosque

The Suleymaniye Mosque is an Ottoman imperial mosque. It is on Istanbul's Third Hill and is the last stop on this small group tour. Designed by the imperial architect Mimar Sinan, it was the largest mosque in the city for over 450 years. The mosque's four minarets represent the four sultans who ascended the throne following the conquest of Constantinople.