Fodor's Expert Review Aya Sofya

The primitive mosaic floor is believed to date from the church's construction in the 6th century, during the reign of Justinian. The church was later reconstructed in the 11th century, after an earthquake toppled the original edifice. A faded fresco of Jesus, Mary, and John the Baptist at ground level on the north wall and some rather poorly preserved frescoes in the domes on either side of the apse date from the Byzantine era. In a controversial move, authorities converted this former museum into a mosque in 2011. Try to arrange your visit outside of prayer times, when you can explore the site freely and take photographs.