A Quiet Treasure Behind the Hippodrome
Located in the quiet streets below the Hippodrome, Little Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul’s most overlooked historic gems. Originally constructed as the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, this building predates the grand Hagia Sophia and offers an intimate glimpse into the personal world of Emperor Justinian I and his influential wife, Empress Theodora.
The church was part of a larger palace complex and was built near the emperor’s former residence. Today, though often missed by visitors heading to the city’s major mosques, it rewards those who find it with elegant architecture, rich symbolism, and an atmosphere of sacred calm.
Saints, Strategy, and Imperial Gratitude
Built in the 6th century, the church was dedicated to Sergius and Bacchus, two Roman soldiers revered as Christian martyrs. Justinian attributed his survival in an early political crisis to divine intervention and gratitude; he commissioned this sanctuary while still heir to the throne.
Beyond personal devotion, the dedication served a political purpose. These saints were especially honored in the eastern frontier of the empire, and Justinian, facing constant threats from Persia, used the church as a spiritual connection to his border defenses.
Mosaic of Justinianus I - Basilica San Vitale (Ravenna). Photo by Petar Milošević.
Architecturally, the design is both experimental and sophisticated. The octagonal core rises into a dome that lacks the typical pendentives, a daring innovation for its time. High-relief carvings and alternating colored marble columns give the structure a sense of both lightness and imperial luxury.
An Architectural Jewel in Marble and Light
The visual richness of Little Hagia Sophia lies in its careful material composition. The ground and upper levels feature alternating columns of green Verd Antique and reddish Synnada marble, each resting on white Proconnesian marble bases veined with blue. These color and texture contrasts were clearly chosen to evoke elegance and imperial grandeur.
The lower capitals are shaped in the distinctive “melon” style, a fluted form associated with elite Byzantine architecture. Above, the gallery columns are slimmer and topped with Ionic capitals, creating a layered spatial experience. The arches these columns support emphasize balance and repetition, drawing the eye toward the soaring central dome.
Although some decorative monograms have faded with time, a few remain intact. Theodora’s name is still visible on a column in the southern bay, while Justinian’s title “Basileus” appears faintly on capitals to the northwest and northeast. These details offer rare, tangible traces of the couple's presence—imperial signatures carved in stone.
Faint traces of Emperor Justinian’s “Basileus” monogram can be seen on the upper left capital. (photo by Nidayi, licensed under CC BY‑SA 4.0)
Justinian and Theodora’s Signature Project
What sets this monument apart from other Byzantine churches is its strong personal association with the emperor and empress. Theodora, known for her rise from actress to co-ruler, was closely involved with the building. Historical accounts suggest she used the galleries above the nave for private receptions and even sheltered Monophysite clergy, a controversial act in the theologically divided empire.
Rather than a public space like Hagia Sophia, this church reflected their shared identity: powerful, unconventional, and steeped in religious politics. It was a symbol not only of imperial faith but of personal control over spiritual space.
Ottoman Era and Preservation
After the Ottoman conquest in 1453, the church was converted into the Küçük Ayasofya Mosque. Though many decorative elements, such as wall mosaics and marble paneling, were lost or removed, the structure remained largely intact.
The mosque served its community for centuries, but eventually fell into disrepair. By the late 20th century, the building faced collapse. Thanks to major restoration efforts completed in the early 2000s, it has now been structurally stabilized and reopened to the public as both a place of worship and a historical interest.
Interior of the Hagia Sophia Mosque
A Forgotten Twin: Saints Peter and Paul
Originally, Little Hagia Sophia was part of a two-church complex. Next to it stood a basilica dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, forming a twin sanctuary with shared entrances and courtyards. Though that second church no longer exists, its outline can still be seen in blocked doorways and wall traces.
Together, they formed one of the most important ecclesiastical sites in the early Byzantine capital, a vision of theological unity and architectural harmony placed right next to the imperial residence.
Why It Belongs on Your Itinerary
While not as massive or world-famous as Hagia Sophia, Little Hagia Sophia offers something arguably more rare: a personal, human-scale monument to an empire's heart and soul. Its innovative design, rich backstory, and quiet setting make it ideal for travelers who want to go beyond the tourist trail.
This is where Justinian’s ambition and Theodora’s influence come alive, not just in mosaics or stone, but in the very shape of the building. It’s a space where you can still feel the weight of power, faith, and beauty all held in one dome.
🕒 Plan Your Visit
| 📍 Address | Küçük Ayasofya Mah., Fatih, Istanbul (click on the table to access the location) |
|---|---|
| 🚶 How to Get There | 10-minute walk from T1 Sultanahmet Tram Station |
| 🕰 Opening Hours | Daily, except during prayer times |
| 🎟 Entrance Fee | Free |
| 🧕 Dress Code | Modest clothing is expected, women must bring their headscarves and men must wear long-sleeved trousers |
References
Atchison, Bob. “Church of Sergius and Bacchus – Little Aya Sophia.” PallasWeb Deesis, https://www.pallasweb.com/deesis/saint-serguis-and-bacchus.html. Accessed 17 July 2025.
Constantinople Through the Ages: The Visible City from Its Foundation to Contemporary Istanbul. Brill, 2024, pp. 144–145.
Cover photo: Solidus of Theodosius II — photo by Byzantium565, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
