Hagia Sophia
is really Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
Real place, reimagined
Real-world photo: Wikimedia Commons
How close does the game get to the real place?
In the game
The great domed landmark of the Imperial District, which Ezio can climb to the very top; a hidden challenge waits inside.
The real place
Built as Justinian's cathedral in 537 and already a mosque by 1511; the game gives it four minarets, though it only had two then.
Visiting
It is a working mosque again: visitors follow the upper-gallery route with a ticket, dress modestly (women cover their hair) and avoid Friday midday prayers.
More from games in Istanbul: 23 real places on one map
Pilgrim photos
Screenshots from the game and photos of Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, sent in by players. Most liked first.
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Tips from pilgrims
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