Selimiye Mosque (as former Church)
Though now a mosque, Selimiye was built by the great Ottoman architect Sinan who considered it his masterwork. Its dome is 31.3 meters in diameter, slightly larger than Hagia Sophia's, achieving Sinan's lifelong ambition.
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β¨ Historical Significance
Why Selimiye Mosque (as former Church) Matters
Ranked #74 among the world's top 100
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered the finest work of Mimar Sinan, the greatest architect of the Ottoman Empire.
Built
1575
Location
Turkey
Annual Visitors
500,000
UNESCO
β ID: 1366
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π Plan Your Visit to Selimiye Mosque (as former Church)
Best Season
Spring & Autumn
Recommended months: April to June, September to November
Temperature
Average: 15β28Β°C (59β82Β°F)
Visit Duration
Recommended: 30 min β 1.5 hours
Entry Fee
$10β$30 USD
Dress Code
Cover shoulders and knees when entering. Avoid hats inside. Some cathedrals require scarves for women. Dark colors preferred in some churches.
Getting There
Located in Edirne, Turkey. Reach Edirne by domestic flights, trains, or buses from major cities. Local transport (taxi, tuk-tuk, or ride-sharing) available from Edirne center to the site. Check local transport options for the most convenient route.
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π‘ Travel Tips for Visiting Selimiye Mosque (as former Church)
Visit during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to appreciate the architecture in peace.
Check service times β attending a service can be a profound cultural experience.
Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY). Carry small bills for entrance fees and donations.
Language: Turkish. Learn basic greetings in the local language β locals appreciate the effort.
This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site β follow all preservation rules and stay on designated paths.
Best time to visit: April to June, September to November. E-visa available for many nationalities.
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β Frequently Asked Questions about Selimiye Mosque (as former Church)
Everything you need to know before visiting Selimiye Mosque (as former Church).
1Where is Selimiye Mosque (as former Church) located?
βΌ
Selimiye Mosque (as former Church) is located in Edirne, Turkey. It is ranked #74 in our Top 100 World Churches list.
2When was Selimiye Mosque (as former Church) built?
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Selimiye Mosque (as former Church) was built in 1575. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered the finest work of Mimar Sinan, the greatest architect of the Ottoman Empire.
3What is the best time to visit Selimiye Mosque (as former Church)?
βΌ
The best time to visit Selimiye Mosque (as former Church) in Turkey is during April to June, September to November. This is the Spring & Autumn when weather is most comfortable for sightseeing, with average temperatures of 15β28Β°C (59β82Β°F).
4How much does it cost to visit Selimiye Mosque (as former Church)?
βΌ
Entry fees for Selimiye Mosque (as former Church) are approximately $10β$30 USD. Prices may vary by season and nationality. Check the official website for current rates.
5How long should I spend at Selimiye Mosque (as former Church)?
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Plan to spend 30 min β 1.5 hours at Selimiye Mosque (as former Church). Take time to appreciate the architecture and historical significance.
6Is Selimiye Mosque (as former Church) a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
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Yes, Selimiye Mosque (as former Church) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (ID: 1366). It has been recognized for its outstanding universal value and is protected under international heritage conservation agreements.
7What should I wear when visiting Selimiye Mosque (as former Church)?
βΌ
Cover shoulders and knees when entering. Avoid hats inside. Some cathedrals require scarves for women. Dark colors preferred in some churches.
8How many people visit Selimiye Mosque (as former Church) each year?
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Selimiye Mosque (as former Church) receives approximately 500,000 visitors per year, making it one of the popular churches in Turkey.
9How do I get to Selimiye Mosque (as former Church)?
βΌ
Located in Edirne, Turkey. Reach Edirne by domestic flights, trains, or buses from major cities. Local transport (taxi, tuk-tuk, or ride-sharing) available from Edirne center to the site. Check local transport options for the most convenient route.
10Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?
βΌ
E-visa available for many nationalities. The local currency is Turkish Lira (TRY). Turkey is in the UTC+3 timezone.
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πΊοΈ Explore More Sites
β Previous in ranking
#73 Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church)
KutnΓ‘ Hora, Czech Republic
Next in ranking β
#75 Nidaros Cathedral
Trondheim, Norway
π³οΈ More in Turkey
π― Nearby Attractions
- β’Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
- β’Local museums and cultural centers in Edirne
- β’Traditional markets and local cuisine near Edirne
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