Visitors can enter the crypt of the Church of Agios Lazaros to see his reputed tomb as well as those of other buried there.

Used as a mosque during the Ottoman occupation of Cyprus, the Church of Agios Lazaros was then reverted to a church. It has suffered damage over the years, including a devastating fire, but has been restored on different occasions.

Church of Agios Lazaros history

The place of Lazarus’ tomb was believed to have been lost under the Arab rule of the island from 649 AD, not found until 890 when the tomb inscribed with ‘Lazarus, four days dead, friend of Christ’ was discovered. The church was built as a long building with 3 aisles and bulky pillars and arches inside.

Then Byzantine emperor, Leo VI, had the holy remains moved to Constantinople in 898, a date that has since been commemorated by the Orthodox Church every year on 17 October. The relics were looted during the Fourth Crusade in the early 13th century, taken back to Marseille and lost.

It was during this period under Frankish and Venetian rule that the church became Roman Catholic, although during the Ottoman rule from 1571 AD, the church was turned into a mosque – its original domes and bell tower already destroyed.

However, because of the church’s Christian cemetery it was returned to the Catholics and remained an Orthodox church for the next 200 years. The 18th century saw the church gain gold-plated Baroque style iconography and some incredible wood-carved furniture.

Sadly, a fire in 1970 damaged most of the interior and during restoration works, human remains were discovered in a marble sarcophagus under the altar – believed to be the remains of the saint.

Church of Agios Lazaros today

Today, entry to this millennia-old church is free and accessible by entrance ramp all year round. Visitors can download an audio guide or otherwise wander the church taking in the multiple histories through the patchwork of architectural styles and features.

Afterwards, head over to a Byzantine Museum which offers exhibitions exploring the church’s long history. Otherwise, return in the evening to admire the ornate bell tower and tiled side chapels, lit up from below by soft orange lights.

Getting to the Church of Agios Lazaros

For those driving, the church is situated just off the B4 and there is a nearby car parking at Ayiou Lazarou, a minute walk away. The church is within walking distance of the Castle Square and promenade, and the Larnaca bus service stops just outside the church.

History of Djumaya Mosque

Accounts differ as to the age of Djumaya Mosque. It is officially recorded as having been built in 1363-64 on the site of the Sveta Petka Tarnovska Cathedral Church after the conquest of Plovdiv by the Ottoman army. During the reign of Sultan Murad I in the 15th century the old building was demolished and replaced by the modern-day mosque. Djumaya Mosque is still active today.

Djumaya Mosque Today

The mosque is large, with nine domes and a vast prayer hall. There is a minaret at the northeast corner of the main façade. Interior wall paintings date back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The mosque is one of the busiest in the city, and is often frequented by visitors and worshippers alike.

While you’re in Plovdiv, make sure to take a look at the ancient Plovdiv Amphitheatre, Plovdiv Roman Stadium, and Plovdiv Roman Stadium. The Djumaya Mosque also features as one of our Top Ten Tourist Attractions in Bulgaria.

Getting to Djumaya Mosque

From the centre of Plovdiv, the mosque is a 9 minute drive via Ruski Blvd. and 6th of September Blvd. / Route 8602. Public transport stops at the north-east tunnel, from where the site is a 5 minute walk. 

History of the Dome of the Rock

The building of the Dome of Rock is considered the oldest existing Islamic structure, having been completed in 691 during the Umayyad Dynasty. The site chosen for its construction is believed by Muslims to have been that of the Prophet Muhammad’s ascent to heaven. Whilst piety was certainly a factor in the building’s construction, so too was politics. The Dome of the Rock was a statement of intent to Christians and Jews, showing Islam’s power and sophistication and making an implicit case for its superiority as a result.

The original building was not so different from the one visible today, covered with mosaics, verses from the Quran and a lavish solid gold dome. The Dome of the Rock briefly fell into Christian hands, when it was repurposed as a church by the Crusaders, before being returned to Islam by Saladin.

The modern day tiles were added in the 16th century by Suleiman the Magnificent originally, but were replaced in the 20th century as part of a major restoration problem. Likewise, the solid gold dome is no more, replaced instead by 80kg of gold plates donated by the King of Jordan, costing somewhere in the region of $8.2 million. Despite these modern day additions, the building looks remarkably similar today to the one conceived in the 7th century.

The rock, which the building is named after, is a site of immense religious significance. Jews call it the Foundation Stone, where Abraham planned to sacrifice Isaac. Islam dictates that this was the spot where the Prophet ascended to heaven, and the rock is said to have two footprints on, one belonging to the Prophet and another to the angel Gabriel.

The Dome of the Rock today

The Dome of the Rock is at the heart of religious and political tensions in Jerusalem. It’s not unusual for the whole complex to be closed during periods of unrest, and only Muslims are permitted to enter the Dome itself – modestly attired non-believers can walk around the complex to appreciate the beauty of the building, but be warned, the guards are strict about clothing so really make sure no flesh is showing, particularly if you’re a woman. Security is tight – expect to have your bag searched before even entering the complex.

Technically the Dome of the Rock is not a mosque but rather a shrine, and due reverence is expected inside. The interior is said to be just as lavish by those who are permitted to enter. If you do visit inside, look out for the oldest known mihrab in the Islamic world, and the steps down to the Well of Souls, where suppposedly the voices of the dead can be heard as they pass onto eternity. .

Hagia Sophia history

Whilst the original Hagia Sofia was built in the 4th century by Constantine the Great, very little remains of this structure, nor the one built after it in the 5th century. The current building dates back to between 532 and 537 AD, during which time it was constructed under the order of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian.

The architects Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles designed the Hagia Sophia in the Byzantine style, with aspects such as its impressive dome a typical feature. At this time, the Hagia Sophia served as a central religious base for the Eastern Orthodox Church.

When Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1453, the building was converted to a mosque under the orders of Sultan Mehmed II. It was during its time that several dominant architectural features were added, such as the minarets at each of its four corners and the mihrab.

In 1934 the Hagia Sophia was turned into a museum in a drive to secularise Turkey, and soon became the country’s most popular tourist attraction. In 2020 however its museum status was reversed in a controversial move by Turkish President Erdogan, and it is today once again a site of Muslim worship.

Hagia Sophia today

Today the Hagia Sophia functions as a mosque yet allows visitors of all faiths and nationalities through its doors. Remnants of the first two Hagia Sophias may be viewed as well as the current building with its vast domed ceiling and ornate Muslim altars and chapels.

Outside, cannonballs used by Mehmet the Conqueror during his invasion of the city line the paths and there is an 18th century fountain for ritual ablutions.

The Hagia Sophia is a beautiful mixture of Muslim and Christian influences and architecture, including its stunning Byzantine mosaics, which can be seen in the higher galleries for a further fee. Guides can also be booked to view the Hagia Sophia in all its glory, with information about its fascinating history to match.

This site features as one of our Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Turkey.

Getting to the Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia is located in the centre of Istanbul in Turkey, and can be reached via the 0-3 and D020 roads. Istanbul Airport is a 45 minute drive away, and the Sultanahmet tram stop is a 5-minute walk away.

History of Hagia Sophia, Trabzon

Originally constructed under the direction of Trebizond Emperor Manuel I between 1238 and 1263 AD, the Hagia Sophia was originally built to serve as a Church and its design reflects late-Byzantine architecture. It acted as such until 1461 when it was converted into a Mosque under the authority of Sultan Mehmed II after the Ottoman conquest of Trabzon, but during the next 400 years or so the building deteriorated rapidly.

By the mid-nineteenth century the mosque was in desperate need of repair and restoration work began in 1864. However, with the advent of the First World War the once-grand mosque was subject to a more utilitarian purpose; it was used both as a storehouse and hospital by Russian forces. In 1964, thanks to international co-operation and restoration efforts, the Hagia Sophia was finally opened to the public.

Hagia Sophia, Trabzon today

The building itself stands as an example of outstanding Byzantine architecture, containing three naves and three porticoes as well as numerous frescoes depicting Biblical scenes such as the birth, crucifixion and ascension of Jesus Christ, the twelve apostles and the frieze of angels. These frescoes had been covered after the Ottoman conquest and were only revealed during the 20th century restoration. Perhaps the most outstanding piece of decorative art within this group is the bas-relief frieze of Adam and Eve, located to the south.

In addition to the Christian decorative art that can be found throughout the Trabzon Hagia Sophia, there is also an abundance of Islamic art and architecture, including a domed and tiled roof and geometrically designed interlocking medallions, indicative of the Seljuk period. There are also tiles containing the crescent moon and stars as well as other motifs.

The tower was a later addition, when the Church was being converted into a mosque. Little of the decorative art that was once installed into the Tower remains, although effort has recently been made to restore the paintings on the walls. Many consider the mosque to be one of Turkey’s best preserved late-Byzantine buildings, and it remains free to enter and largely crowd-free despite this status.

Getting to Hagia Sophia, Trabzon

The mosque is in the west of Trabzon on the Black Sea, on the helpfully named Ayasofya Muzesi. It’s about a half hour walk into the centre of town but there’s plenty of parking around the area.

History of Jama Masjid

Commissioned in 1644 by the builder of the Taj Mahal, the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Jama Masjid took fourteen years to complete and is viewed as the Emperor’s biggest architectural triumph. Built on an elevated platform from marble and red sandstone, Jama Masjid is Delhi’s largest mosque.

The result was a symmetrical multi-domed masterpiece capable of holding up to 25,000 worshippers in its vast courtyard. Four watchtowers mark the outer walls as security.

The mosque was confiscated by British soldiers following the Revolt of 1857 and used as a station for British soldiers once their original plan to demolish the mosque was forbidden.

In more recent years, Jama Masjid has been the site of two attacks: tensions between Delhi’s various religious groups do sometimes erupt and it’s worth checking the news before visiting any religious sites in the city.

Jama Masjid today

You will need to dress conservatively, and shoes must be removed on arrival. It’s a good idea to wear shoes you can slip in a bag and carry round with you, although you can normally pay someone a few rupees to watch your shoes for the duration of your visit.

If you’re carrying a camera or a phone with a camera you’ll need to buy a ticket (technically a camera permit). It’s also possible to climb the two minarets for a spectacular view of Delhi, and it remains a great way of understanding Lutyens’ Delhi too as the plans are most obvious from above.

The mosque is open every day, although Friday is the busiest. Sunrise and sunset are good times to visit as the mosque is relatively quiet and the light is extremely nice on a clear day – especially if you want to take good photos.

Getting to Jama Masjid

The mosque is a short walk from the Jama Masjid station (Violet Line), in the heart of Old Delhi. You can easily walk here from the Red Fort or Chandni Chowk. Tuk tuks and taxis will be able to drop you here easily if you’re coming from further afield.

History of Qutub Complex

One of the first buildings constructed as part of the Qutub Complex was the Might of Islam Mosque, translated as ’Quwwatu’l-Islam’, a project undertaken by the founder of the Slave Dynasty, Qutbu’d-Din Aibak, in 1192 and enlarged by his successors in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. In the centre of the mosque is an ancient iron pillar believed to date back to the fourth century AD and is renowned for never rusting. The ornately carved tomb of Iltutmish, the third ruler of the Slave Dynasty, is also contained within the mosque.

Beyond the mosque, Qutbu’d-Din Aibak was also responsible for building the most famous building in the Qutub Complex, the Qutub Minar, a looming sandstone minaret known for its incredible height and ornate carvings.

Construction of Qutub Minar began in around 1202. When it was completed in 1368, Qutub Minar reached a height of 72.5 metres, making it the tallest “skyscraper” of its time and it remains the tallest sandstone tower in India. The Qutub Minar has since been damaged by lightning on several occasions and its upper floors were subsequently rebuilt, most notably in 1328, 1368 and in 1503, when it was enlarged. In the 19th century, an earthquake struck Delhi which caused considerable damage – the British repaired it shortly afterwards.

In 1992, the Qutub Complex was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.

Qutub Complex today

Tickets cover admission to the whole complex, although most people come primarily to see the minaret which gives the complex its name. The tower of the Qutub Minar is no longer accessible to visitors due to safety concerns, but it remains remarkable nonetheless.

Getting to Qutub Complex

The Qutub Minar is located in southern Delhi: the nearest metro station is Saket (Yellow line) but even this isn’t close. You’re best off navigating the public bus system, or a much easier alternative would be to hail a tuktuk, Uber or Ola to get there. Remember Delhi traffic is terrible so avoid going around rush hour.

History of St Savior in Chora

The mosque is located in the Edirnekapi neighbourhood of Istanbul, Turkey.

The church was originally built during the reign of Constantine the Great in the early 4th century within a Christian complex outside the boundary of Constantinople’s walls. St Savior in Chora therefore derived its name from its countryside setting, with ‘in chora’ meaning ‘rural’.

When Theodosius II built his extensive land walls in 413-14, the church was incorporated into the city’s defences.

Most of the church’s current outline dates from 1077-1081, when it was rebuilt in the shape of an inscribed cross. It unfortunately collapsed early in the 12th century, perhaps due to an earthquake.

The church was rebuilt in the 14th century, and two centuries later was endowed with many of its most striking features, such as its mosaics and frescoes. The mosaic work is the finest example of the Palaeologian Renaissance style.

Around 50 years after the fall of the Ottomans, the church was converted into a mosque, with the mosaics and frescoes being covered by plaster due to the prohibition against iconic images in Islam.

In 1945, the building was designated a museum by the Turkish government, and ceased to be a functioning mosque. In 2005, a lawsuit was filed against the then museum, challenging its status as a museum. This was upheld, and in 2020, its status changed to a mosque.

St Savior in Chora Today

Today, a highlight of visiting St Savior in Chora is its incredible set of Byzantine mosaics dating to the fourteenth century, when the church underwent redecoration.

They are incredibly complex, depicting scenes which can be grouped into three topics: the ancestors of Jesus Christ, events of his life, and events of the Virgin Mary’s life.

Hidden by plaster during its time as a mosque, these works now remain beautifully preserved.

There are also a number of architectural features such as a mosaic covered nave and two mosaic-covered domes which are strikingly beautiful.

It is recommended that you visit with a guide when visiting the site.

Getting to St Savior in Chora

From the centre of Istanbul, the site is reachable in around 25 minutes by car via Abdülezelpaşa Cd. For those who want to enjoy a walk through Istanbul’s scenc city centre, the site is reachable in a little over an hour via Fevzi Paşa Cd.

The al-Haram Mosque history

Located in the sacred city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, Muslim pilgrims from around the globe travel to the al-Haram Mosque during the last month of the Islamic calendar – Dhu al-Hijja – as the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage. It is considered the duty of Muslims to undertake this pilgrimage at least once during their lifetime.

Initially constructed during the reign of Caliph Omar Ibn al-Khattab (634-644), the al-Haram Mosque has since undergone several renovations and has been expanded numerous times, notably in the eighth and fourteenth centuries. However, the current incarnation of the mosque mostly dates back to 1571, when Ottoman Sultan Selim II ordered that it be rebuilt.

The focal point of the al-Haram Mosque – and in fact the site it was built around – is the Ka’ba. Muslims believe that this structure, which predates Islam but has since been rebuilt on numerous occasions, was first built by the prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail as a place of worship.

It came under the remit of the Prophet Muhammad and his tribe, at which time it was already attracting pilgrims from surrounding areas. It was also at this time that the Black Stone, still housed in the Ka’ba, became a holy Muslim relic.

The al-Haram Mosque today

The focal point for every Muslim and the biggest mosque in the world, Al Masjid Al Haram is able to host a million worshippers and covers an area of 356,800 sq metres. Non-Muslim visitors cannot enter Mecca at all, and certainly cannot enter Al Masjid Al Haram. It’s open 24 hours a day, and those who do follow Islam may enter and worship at any point in time following their pilgrimage to the city.

Getting to the al-Haram Mosque

The mosque is Mecca’s focal point – the First Ring Road encloses it if you’re arriving by car. Buses stop between the First and Second Ring Roads if you’re travelling from a different part of town.

Timur, who is also known as Tamerlane, built many beautiful monuments and structures in Samarkand using traditional glazed ceramic tiles in ornate geometric shapes: the Bibi-Khanym Mosque was no exception.

A vast structure crowned by a blue dome and overlooking a courtyard, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque was built by Timur for his wife Saray Mulk Khanym (Bibi Khanym was her nickname meaning ‘senior princess’) between 1399 and 1405. While much of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque was destroyed in an earthquake in the 19th century, the building has since been reconstructed.

The Bibi-Khanym Mosque history

After his campaign in India, in 1399 the Mongol leader Timur undertook the construction of a huge mosque in the new capital of Samarkand. The mosque was almost finished when Timur returned from further military ventures in 1404. Timur immediately made alterations to the design. However, his grand visions would ultimately compromise the structure of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and bricks soon began falling from the main dome.

In the late 16th century, Abdullah Khan II – the last ruler of the Bukhara Khan dynasty – called a halt to restoration works of the mosque. Following his decision the mosque slowly deteriorated and became a weather-beaten ruin. The inner portal finally collapsed during an earthquake in 1897, and Samarkand inhabitants plundered the building, taking the marble columns and intricate masonry.

The Soviets were first to investigate the ruins and made plans to restore the 3 domes and central portal. By 1974, the USSR had begun reconstructing the mosque, supplementing the facades and revealing inscriptions from the Quran. Restoration work has continued ever since.

The Bibi-Khanym Mosque today

Today, the beautiful mosque provides a portal into Muslim medieval architecture. The Bibi-Khanym Mosque follows the pattern of other courtyard mosques from the era and boasts a monumental dome rising 40 metres high.

In the middle of the courtyard you will find a large stone pedestal for holding the Quran, crafted from marble blocks. Local legend has it that any woman who crawls beneath the stand will have lots of children.

In the courtyard you will also find 2 smaller mosques, the one on the left decorated inside with stunning Arabic calligraphy. Be aware the mosque is still a religious site and visitors will be expected to dress and act with modesty and respect.

Getting to The Bibi-Khanym Mosque

Located minutes from the Shah-i-Zinda sacred complex, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque is found within Samarkand’s historic centre on Tashkent Road. Just off the M39 and M37 that connect the city to the rest of Uzbekistan, the mosque is a 20 minute drive from the Samarkand Airport.