Hagia Sofia Disabled Access Review by John Sage

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Disabled Access at the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya Müzesi)

The entrance to the Hagia Sophia ia on the left side of this picture. There is level access. Disabled access at the Hagia Sophia is provided by wheelchair accessible ramps. The entrance is at the west corner of the building at the intersection of Alemdar street and Ayasofya Meydani street. There is level access at the ticket booth and metal detector. After passing the metal detectors, you will reach the building entrance where you will find a small ramp (4 star flatness, 1 meter long) down and another small 1 meter ramp with a small step down. A third small 1 meter ramp will bring you to the main area of the This is the entrance into the Hagia Sophia building. church/mosque. The ground floor of building is smooth and step-free. The upper floor of the building is not wheelchair accessible due to a winding cobblestone path and steps.

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Is there a wheelchair accessible entrance? Yes, you can buy tickets at the west corner of the building at the intersection of Alemdar and Ayasofya Meydani where disabled access is provided by ramps to get over a couple of small steps at the entrance. This is the door at the entrance.

Is the door push/pull, revolving, automated by a button, or motion activated? The doors are kept open during times of decent weather. In other times a staff member can assist you.

Where is the closest place that cars/taxis can drop-off people? At the ticket entrance which is at the intersection of Alemdar and Ayasofya Meydani. This ramp leads down into the building.

What are the nearby tram stations? Sultanahmet is the closest station and is slightly uphill from the Hagia Sophia.

Are there cobblestones or hills leading to the entrance? Flat near the entrance with some cobblestones (4 star smoothness) This is the 2nd ramp at the entrance. It leads up but there is no ramp leading down so you will have to go down one step.

What percentage of the attraction can be viewed without having to go up steps? The upstairs area has a winding cobblestone path and steps to reach it. By staying on the ground, you can see 70% of the Hagia Sophia.

Are there loaner wheelchairs?

This 3rd ramp leads up into the building.

Is there a wheelchair accessible bathroom?
Is the door wide enough for a wheelchair?
Are there grab bars?
Is there a space to position a wheelchair next to the toilet?

Are there guided tours that don’t have to go up steps? No guided tours by Hagia Sophia staff. You can hire private guides if you want a tour. In this case, 70% of the tour will be step-free.

Does advance notice need to be given for…
…handicapped parking? No
…opening of an accessible entrance? No
…loaner wheelchairs? No
…accessible tours? No

Is there a discount for someone with a disability and/or their companion? No

Opening Hours: 9.30-16.30 every day
How many hours do most able-bodied tourists spend there on their first visit? Less than 1 hr

Website: http://www.kultur.gov.tr/
Email: ayasofyamuzesi@hotmail.com
Address: Sultanahmet 34400, Istanbul, Turkey
Telephone: +90 212 5221750,
+90 212 5220989, or +90 212 5284500

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