Map

Rumeli Fortress vs Hagia Sophia Mosque

Both Hagia Sophia and Rumeli Fortress are highly recommended by expert writers. On balance, Hagia Sophia ranks significantly higher than Rumeli Fortress. Hagia Sophia is ranked #6 in Istanbul with praise from 8 sources like Concierge, Time Out and Lonely Planet.

Rumeli Fortress
Rumeli Fortress
8 / 10
Tarabya Yenikoy Cad., Istanbul, Turkey
From $0 /night
Fodor's Fodor's
"Built on a hill overlooking the water, Rumeli Hisarı is the best preserved of all the fortresses on the Bosphorus and well worth a visit." Full review
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"Just before the Fatih Bridge are the majestic structures of Rumeli Hisarı and Anadolu Hisarı (Fortress of Anatolia)." Full review
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"In the stranglehold that eventually throttled Constantinople in 1453, the Rumeli Hisar (castle) served as the lynch pin." Full review
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
1 Star
"The towers and crenellated walls of the imposing ramparts of the Rumeli Hisari (1452) can be seen on the European shore of the Bosphorus, resembling a long stone snake." Full review
Time Out Time Out
"Visitors can explore the many towers of the fortress and enjoy a spectacular view of the Bosphorus and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge." Full review
Show All Reviews
Hagia Sophia Mosque
Hagia Sophia Mosque
9 / 10
Sultanahmet, Eminonu District, Istanbul, Turkey
From $0 /night
Fodor's Fodor's
"This soaring edifice is perhaps the greatest work of Byzantine architecture and for almost a thousand years... it was the world's largest and most important religious monument. " Full review
Concierge Concierge
"Don't even dream of leaving Istanbul without visiting this holy trinity of sights."
Frommer's Frommer's
"For almost a thousand years, the Ayasofya was a triumph of Christianity and the symbol of Byzantium." Full review
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"Sophia in Latin, Haghia Sofia in Greek and the Church of the Divine Wisdom in English, this extraordinary building is İstanbul's most famous monument." Full review
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"Hagia Sophia reigned as the greatest church in Christendom from the fourth century to the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453." Full review
Show All Reviews