Little Hagia Sophia Mosque (Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus)

The dome that came before Hagia Sophia

The church was built right next to the Palace of Hormisdas, where Justinian lived before he became emperor. According to tradition, the young Justinian was once accused of plotting against his uncle Justin I and escaped execution after Saints Sergius and Bacchus appeared to the emperor in a dream; the church is often described as his thank-offering. Because work began a few years before the present Hagia Sophia and the building carries a similar dome, locals came to call it “Little Hagia Sophia”.

For a long time it was described as a rehearsal for the great dome. Many historians now think the two building sites ran largely in parallel. The plan is an octagon set inside an irregular rectangle: eight piers carry a pumpkin-style ribbed dome that gives the interior a gentle, rippling quality, while the columns on both levels alternate between green and reddish marble.

From church to mosque: the Ottoman layer

In the early 16th century, during the reign of Bayezid II, the building was converted into a mosque by Hüseyin Ağa, chief of the palace's Gate of Felicity. He added the minaret, the portico and the madrasa cells that frame the courtyard, and his tomb still stands near the entrance. Earthquakes and damp took their toll over the centuries, and the railway laid right alongside in the late 19th century brought constant vibration. A thorough restoration completed in the mid-2000s gave the interior back its light and coherence.

The courtyard is where the neighbourhood breathes: plane-tree shade, a simple ablution fountain and neighbours sipping tea in front of the old madrasa rooms. Standing here in the backstreets of Küçük Ayasofya and Kadırga, it is hard to believe the tour-group crowds are only a few hundred metres away.

What to look for inside

• The Greek inscription: a long verse inscription carved along the entablature above the ground-floor columns names Justinian, Theodora and Saint Sergius — one of the finest Byzantine inscriptions in the city.
• Monogrammed capitals: look closely at the delicately carved capitals for the interlaced monograms of the imperial couple.
• The ribbed dome: stand in the centre and look up to see how light from the windows makes the dome feel almost weightless.
• The galleries: the best viewpoint for taking in the octagonal plan, although access is not always open.
• Hüseyin Ağa's tomb and the madrasa courtyard: spend a few minutes here to understand the building's Ottoman chapter.

Etiquette and the best time to visit

Entry is free, and because this is an active mosque, visits pause briefly during the five daily prayers. Women are expected to cover their hair, everyone should cover shoulders and knees, and shoes come off at the door. Our mosque etiquette guide covers the details. Early morning or the calm stretch of the late afternoon is when soft light fills the dome and you may have the place almost to yourself.

Getting there from Sareban Hotel

This is our closest historic neighbour: from Cinci Meydanı Street it is a short stroll of a few streets towards the sea, and the minaret appears as soon as you turn the corner. Afterwards, walk uphill to the Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque or downhill to the Kennedy Avenue seaside promenade. You can see the route on our location page.