Hagia Sophia – Istanbul

Erected in the year 537 AD and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hagia Sophia is one of the most famous structures in the entire world – not to mention Turkey. Transitioning from a Christian place of worship into a mosque and subsequently into a museum, it has had quite a rough ride through the waves of history. Serving as inspirational basis for other mosques in Istanbul, it reaches a jaw-dropping height of 55 metres with its minarets. What’s interesting about it is that the minarets themselves were added only after the transition and the very first one is distinguishable by its unique colour – it is made of brick. Quite an eye-popper, this one!