Sights · 33 of the best in Istanbul
Süleymaniye Mosque
Sinan’s masterpiece in Istanbul
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Moonik · CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia CommonsAbout Süleymaniye Mosque
The Süleymaniye crowns the third hill above the Golden Horn. Mimar Sinan built it for Süleyman the Magnificent, completing it in 1557, with a vast, serene prayer hall and a complex of schools, a hospital, kitchens and a hammam around it. Süleyman and his wife Hürrem are buried in the garden tombs, and Sinan lies in a simple tomb just outside the walls. The terrace behind the mosque has one of the best views in the city. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered, a headscarf for women), take off your shoes, and avoid prayer times.
Why it's on our list
- Completed 1557
- By Mimar Sinan
- Tombs of Süleyman and Sinan
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Süleymaniye Mosque before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Süleymaniye Mosque are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Nearest metro & tram stops
- KüçükpazarT5550 m7 min walk
- Vezneciler-İstanbul ÜniversitesiM2550 m7 min walk
- HaliçM2750 m9 min walk
Nearest taxi ranks
- Taxi rank, Şehzadebaşı Caddesi550 m7 min walk
- Taxi rank, Sirvanizade Sokağı900 m11 min walk
Key sights
- Spice Bazaar600 mWalk 7 minCycle 2 minCar or taxi 5 min
- Grand Bazaar650 mWalk 8 minCycle 3 minCar or taxi 5 min
- Galata Bridge900 mWalk 11 minCycle 4 minCar or taxi 6 min
- Galata Tower1.4 kmWalk 17 minCycle 5 minCar or taxi 7 min
- Basilica Cistern1.5 kmWalk 19 minCycle 6 minCar or taxi 7 min
- Hagia Sophia1.6 kmWalk 20 minCycle 6 minCar or taxi 8 min
- Blue Mosque1.6 kmWalk 20 minCycle 6 minCar or taxi 8 min
- Topkapı Palace1.7 kmWalk 21 minCycle 7 minCar or taxi 8 min
- İstiklal Avenue2.3 kmWalk 28 minCycle 9 minCar or taxi 10 min
- Taksim Square2.9 kmWalk 36 minCycle 12 minCar or taxi 12 min
Getting around
- Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)32 kmCar or taxi 98 min
- Istanbul Airport (IST)34 kmCar or taxi 105 min