Suleymaniye Mosque Audio Guide Tour
Mimar Sinan's masterpiece, built for Süleyman the Magnificent between 1550 and 1557, standing on the city's third hill above the Golden Horn.
- At the gate
- £6.80
- Allow
- 1h 30m
- District
- Eminonu
- Closed
- Open daily
Su00fcleymaniye Mosque, in short
Mimar Sinan's masterpiece, built for Su00fcleyman the Magnificent between 1550 and 1557, standing on the city's third hill above the Golden Horn.
It is the calmest of the great mosques u2014 larger than the Blue Mosque, far less crowded, and with a terrace that gives one of the best free views in Istanbul.
What it costs
Entry is free, as at any mosque. The guided tour is u20ac8 separately and included on the pass.
Getting there
In Fatih, above the Grand Bazaar. Take the T1 tram to Beyazu0131t or Eminu00f6nu00fc and walk up u2014 it is a climb from either direction.
How long to allow
Forty-five minutes for the mosque and the terrace. Longer if you walk the complex, which included a hospital, kitchens, baths and four madrasas u2014 a whole social institution rather than just a prayer hall.
What to look for
Sinan solved his acoustics with clay pots set into the walls, and lit the interior so evenly that the oil lamps left almost no soot u2014 the smoke was drawn to a single chamber where it was collected and made into ink.
Su00fcleyman and his wife Hu00fcrrem Sultan are buried in the garden behind, and Sinan himself lies in a modest tomb at the corner of the complex, which is the way he wanted it.
What to wear
Modest dress, shoes off, heads covered for women. Scarves are available at the entrance. Plan around prayer times.
Frequently asked questions
- Mimar Sinan, for Sultan Su00fcleyman the Magnificent, between 1550 and 1557.
- Yes, as at any mosque. The guided tour is included on the pass.
- It is larger, older, quieter and u2014 many would argue u2014 the better building. The terrace view over the Golden Horn is the bonus.
- About 45 minutes, or longer if you walk the wider complex and the tombs.