The Upper Gallery of the Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul

When visiting Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, it is easy to be impressed by its vastness and the charm of the nave. But as you ascend to the second floor, you discover a less crowded and equally fascinating area: the upper gallery.

This part of the building offers an elevated and striking view of the interior of the mosque, allowing you to take a closer look at some of the most precious mosaics in Byzantine art and better appreciate the architectural structure of the dome.

Unique historical elements, such as the empress’s lodge and the famous Viking inscription carved on a marble balustrade, can also be found here.

It is not just a viewpoint: the gallery is a true path through history.

Prominent figures of the Byzantine Empire passed through its halls, and even today it is possible to perceive the intertwining of sacredness, art, and power that characterizes this space.

Access to the gallery is regulated and reserved for visitors with a tourist ticket, with the possibility of using interactive augmented reality audio guides in more than 20 languages.

For information on hours and access, see the Hagia Sofia ticket page.

What to see in the upper gallery

To go up to the second floor of the Hagia Sophia Mosque is to enter another world.

The upper gallery is more than just a viewing balcony: it is a veritable treasure chest of art treasures, religious symbols and historical details that tell centuries of Byzantine and Ottoman history.

Byzantine mosaics

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One of the most extraordinary experiences you can have in the upper gallery is a close encounter with the Byzantine mosaics of Hagia Sophia. These works of sacred art, made of gold, glass, colored stones and enamels, are precious testimonies to the spirituality and artistic sophistication of the Eastern Roman Empire.

Made between the 9th and 13th centuries, the figurative mosaics are among the few that survived iconoclasm, a period when the depiction of sacred images was banned.

For this reason, what you see today is the result of careful restoration and the protection that Hagia Sophia has received over the centuries, including during its transformation into a mosque.

Here are the most important ones visible in the gallery:

Deesis (13th century)

This is perhaps the most famous mosaic in the Hagia Sophia. Located on the western wall of the south gallery, it shows Christ Pantocrator in the center, flanked by the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist. The two saints, with intense expressions and clasped hands, intercede for humanity on the day of the Last Judgment.

Christ’s face, with its deep, melancholy gaze, is considered one of the most powerful religious portraits in Byzantine art.

Mosaic of Zoe (11th century)

Located along the southern wall of the gallery.

In the center is Christ enthroned, while on the sides are depicted Empress Zoe and her husband Constantine IX Monomachus, posing formally with symbolic gifts in their hands.

The mosaics celebrated imperial legitimacy and generosity toward the church.

Curiously, the emperors’ faces were changed over time as Zoe had three husbands and the mosaic was updated to represent the incumbent one.

Mosaic of the Komnenos (12th century)

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Depicts another important imperial family-John II Komnenos,Empress Irene (of Hungarian descent) and her son Alexius.

In the center, as always, is the Virgin Mary with baby Jesus.

The expressions are solemn and the details of the clothing finely crafted.

This mosaic shows the influence of Western art on the late Byzantine style, evident in the more naturalistic faces.

Other mosaics not to be missed

• Mosaic of the Imperial Offering (10th century), with Constantine and Justinian offering the city of Constantinople and the model of the basilica to Mary, respectively.
• Angelic mosaics: the Seraphim at the spandrels of the dome, six-winged angels symbolizing the custody of the divine throne.
• Christ above the Imperial Gate, also visible from below but more legible from the gallery, with Emperor Leo VI kneeling.

All of these mosaics are masterpieces of theological symbolism, technique, and imperial power, and constitute one of the richest collections of Byzantine mosaic art still extant there.

Empress Loggia

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Among the most evocative corners of the upper gallery is a small space bordered by marble columns: it is known as the Empress’s lodge.

This reserved balcony was intended exclusively for Byzantine empresses and women of the imperial aristocracy.

From here they could attend religious liturgies and ceremonies without being seen by the public in the main aisle, in full compliance with the customs of the time.

The location of the loggia was precisely chosen: it faces exactly the high altar (now the mihrab), offering a dominant and symbolically “privileged” view of the entire sacred space.

It was not merely a vantage point, but a place charged with social and religious significance. The presence of the empress emphasized the close relationship between imperial power and the Church, a key element of Byzantine political theology.

If you stop here for a few minutes, it is easy to imagine the scene: the basilica crowded with dignitaries and worshippers, the candles lit, the liturgical chanting going on under the great vaults, and the empress watching everything in silence, hidden behind the small columns.

The loggia is not accessible to the public today, but you can observe it clearly from the gallery. Its pristine condition and intact location make it one of the most striking symbolic places to visit.

There is also a detail not to be missed: look carefully at the carved marble decorations surrounding the area; each element has aesthetic and functional significance, demonstrating Byzantine architectural mastery.

Panoramic view of the interior

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One of the main reasons to go up to the upper gallery of the Hagia Sophia is the unparalleled view of the interior of the mosque. From here one can really grasp the architectural grandeur and harmony of the spaces, something that is difficult to fully perceive at ground level.

The first thing that strikes the eye is the immense central dome, suspended over 55 meters high, which seems to float in the void thanks to the ingenious system of arches and spandrels devised by the Byzantine architects.

From this perspective you can see how the natural light-filtered by dozens of windows at the base of the dome-creates an almost mystical effect, making the gilded surfaces and polychrome marble walls shine.

Immediately below, the central space of the mosque opens into a perfectly proportioned Greek cross, with aisles, galleries and apses intertwining in an impressive visual balance.

The marble floor designed in circular patterns, the omphalion (the place where emperors were crowned), and large Ottoman chandeliers suspended a few feet above the ground contribute to a solemn and powerful atmosphere.

From the second floor you can also admire in all their grandeur the eight large Ottoman calligraphic medallions with gold lettering on a dark green background bearing the sacred names of Islam: Allah, Muhammad, the four caliphs, and the Prophet’s grandsons.

Each one measures about 7.5 meters in diameter and is made on basswood, hanging on the walls with extraordinary precision.

A particularly popular spot for visitors (and photographers!) is the right corner of the southwest gallery: from here you can get a perfect view of the dome, nave, mosaics, and chandeliers-all in one glance.

If the light is right, you will see the golden mosaics light up with an almost supernatural brilliance.

Our advice is to arrive early in the morning or just before sunset.

The light of the “golden hour” completely transforms the atmosphere of the interior, making your visit even more memorable.

Hidden details and inscriptions

As you stroll along the upper gallery of Hagia Sophia, don’t just look at the great mosaics and the dome-there are plenty of lesser-known but equally fascinating details that tell surprising stories and make this part of the monument a real treasure for the discerning eye.

The Viking graffito

One of the most curious elements is undoubtedly an inscription carved in marble along the central balustrade of the south gallery.

It is a simple phrase: “Halvdan was here ,” meaning “Halvdan was here.”

It might sound like a modern joke, but it is actually a real runic inscription dating back to the 9th century, probably the work of a Viking mercenary in the service of the Byzantine imperial guard, the famous Variaghi.

This small graffito represents a meeting of worlds-the pagan North and the Christian East-and is one of the most unusual testimonies in the basilica.

The Tomb of Enrico Dandolo

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On the same side of the gallery is a rectangular slab set into the floor, without any showy decorations: it is the tomb of Doge Enrico Dandolo, commander of the Fourth Crusade who led the sack of Constantinople in 1204.

Having become nearly blind, he died in the city in 1205 and was buried right here, in the basilica he had helped desecrate.

The location of his tomb in the center of the gallery reflects the enormous power Dandolo wielded for a very brief but devastating period in the city’s history.

The marble floors etched by time

Looking at the floor, you will notice grooves and marks polished by the passage of millions of visitors over the centuries.

Some of these marks are natural, others are original decorative motifs, but they all tell a story: that of a place that has been lived in continuously for more than 1,500 years.

If you approach carefully, you might also catch glimpses of inlays of color and specular veining, achieved by cutting the marble blocks to symmetrical geometric effects.

The Marble Gate (or Gate of Heaven and Hell)

Between the gallery sections is a white marble door that separates the south area (reserved for the patriarch and church officials) from the west area.

It is known as the Gate of Heaven and Hell, because according to tradition one of its doors symbolically led to salvation and the other to damnation.

This gate was passed through during Byzantine religious synods, such as the one in 1166 under Emperor Manuel I Komnenos.

Today, as you pass through it, you ideally retrace the steps of ecclesiastical power and major religious decisions of Eastern Christendom.

How to access the upper gallery

Since 2024, access to the Upper Gallery of the Hagia Sophia has been organized specifically for foreign visitors, separating the tourist route from the one reserved for worshippers.

This makes the visit more orderly and respectful of the place of worship.

Dedicated entrance for tourists

The entrance for tourists is located in front of the Ahmed III Fountain, next to the Bab-ı Hümâyun, the imperial gate that also leads to the Topkapi Palace.

Once past the ticket point, visitors access the route via a ramp that leads directly to the upper floor.

This choice is also related to the ongoing restoration work on one of the mosque’s side structures, which led to the creation of a temporary protected access, with separate and well-marked paths.ù

The tour route

After the entrance, you follow a one-way route that allows you to:

• ascend to the gallery on the second floor
• observe the sanctuary area and the Ottoman sections
• go through the impressive Gate of Heaven and Hell (known as the Marble Gate)
• discover the Byzantine mosaics in the gallery

Exit via a second ramp on the northeast side so as not to cross incoming flows.

Accessibility and safety

It should be noted that the ramps and stairs are not suitable for people with mobility disabilities.

For those with walking difficulties, it is recommended to use the Turkish citizens’ entrance, which allows access to the lower area, but not to the gallery.

A security check is passed at the entrance, as is the case at all major religious sites in Turkey.

Avoid bulky bags or metal objects to speed up screening.

Dress code and behavior

Hagia Sophia is an active mosque. It is important:

• dress soberly (shoulders and knees covered)
• wear a veil for women (available on site, for a fee)
• do not disturb those in prayer
• avoid intrusive photos during times of worship

Tickets and visiting hours

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Since 2024, tourist access to the Upper Hagia Sophia Gallery has been regulated with dedicated routes and ticketing.

Visiting this part of the building requires a specific ticket, which allows you to explore the gallery independently and with the support of augmented reality multilingual audio guides.

Price and how to purchase

The entrance fee for foreign visitors is about €25 although the price may vary depending on various factors such as, for example, the exchange rate with the Turkish Lira, according to the operator’s policies.

You can purchase the ticket:

• online at our ticket page
• directly on-site at the ticket office located in front of the Ahmed III Fountain, near the imperial gate (Bab-ı Hümâyun)

Be careful: Turkish Museum Passes are NOT valid for admission to the upper gallery!

Audio guide and augmented reality

Each ticket includes use of the app with interactive audioguide and augmented reality content available in 23 languages, including Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Greek, and many others.

To use the audio guide:

• scan the QR code you received at the entrance
• wear headphones (you can bring your own or rent them on site)
• follow the suggested route along the gallery

Hours of operation

The upper gallery is open daily:

• Continuous hours: 09:00 – 19:30
• Temporary closure on Fridays between 12:30 and 14:30, in conjunction with community prayer.

Last admission is allowed until 7:00 pm. We advise you to avoid the middle hours of the day and weekends, when attendance is highest.

Reductions and accessibility

• Free admission for children under 8 years old, accompanied by an adult and with valid ID.
• The paths to the gallery are not suitable for people with mobility disabilities. In this case, we recommend entering through the main door to access the ground floor only.

Conclusion

A visit to the Upper Gallery of Hagia Sophia is not just an “extra” stop on the Istanbul tourist route.

It is a glimpse from above, but also a deep dive into time.

From here we observe not only the grandeur of the architecture, but the layering of cultures, religions and empires that have passed through this space over the centuries.

Each mosaic tells the story of an era. Each column is the result of an artistic and symbolic choice.

Every corner, even the most hidden, can conceal a detail that links past and present.

If you have decided to visit Hagia Sophia, don’t leave the upper gallery off your itinerary.

It is here that you will be able to grasp the most authentic sense of this place: not only as an artistic masterpiece, but as a living space that has seen the world transformed without ever ceasing to fascinate.