Süleymaniye Mosque at a glance
The Süleymaniye Mosque was built for Sultan Süleyman, known as Süleyman the Magnificent, and designed by the architect Mimar Sinan. It stands on the third hill of the historic peninsula, above the Golden Horn. It is a different building from the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque), with a different patron, a different architect and a different century.
Many visitors see both in one day. The Blue Mosque is in Sultanahmet, while the Süleymaniye needs its own trip across the old city. It is still an active mosque, so visits fit around the prayer times. If you are planning a longer walk through the old city, Istanbul old city tours show you how the sights connect.
Architecture: Sinan's imperial mosque
Construction ran from 1550 or 1551 to 1557 or 1558. The main dome rises 53 m and measures 27.25 m across. Four minarets mark the corners of the courtyard. Mimar Sinan was the chief architect of the Ottoman court, and the Süleymaniye is among the buildings he is best known for.
The mosque is not the work of Sinan's pupil Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa, who designed the Blue Mosque. If you visit both, you see two generations of Ottoman mosque design. For the details of the later building, read our guide to Blue Mosque architecture.
Our pick: Blue Mosque and Süleymaniye
A guided Blue Mosque visit comes with a multilingual audio guide for the Süleymaniye.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Istanbul old city tours and day trips
Guided walks, boat trips and combined tours that include the historic mosques of Istanbul, with live prices and availability.
The tombs of Süleyman and Hürrem
Süleyman's tomb (türbe) lies in the area in front of the prayer niche. The tomb of Hürrem, his wife, stands next to it. They are two separate tombs, not one shared chamber. Sinan's grave is at a corner of the complex.
Opening arrangements for the tombs can change, so ask at the entrance on the day. Keep your voice low in the grounds. Many visitors come to pray here.
Visiting hours and etiquette
Hours as of 2026. Confirm them on the day.
Opening window
The usual visiting window is 08:30 to 18:30 every day. The mosque is closed to tourists during the prayers, and for longer around Friday midday. These hours are not the same as the seasonal Blue Mosque hours, so do not carry one over to the other.
Entry
Entry is free. There is no ticket to buy for a normal visit.
Dress
Cover shoulders and knees, and cover your hair if you are a woman. Take off your shoes before you step onto the carpet. Our dress code guide lists what to wear.
The terrace
The courtyard terrace is a viewpoint over the Golden Horn (Haliç) and Galata. Climbing a minaret or reaching the roof is not part of a normal visit.
Süleymaniye or Blue Mosque?
The two mosques answer different questions.
| Süleymaniye | Blue Mosque | |
|---|---|---|
| Architect | Mimar Sinan | Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa |
| Main dome | 53 m high, 27.25 m across | 43 m high |
| Minarets | 4 | 6 |
| Setting | Third hill above the Golden Horn | Sultanahmet, next to the Hippodrome |
| Known for | Terrace views and the imperial tombs | Iznik tiles and six minarets |
For most first-time visitors, the Blue Mosque is the one to plan around, and the Süleymaniye is a worthwhile second visit if you have half a day and like views over the water. After a morning of mosques, a Turkish bath in Istanbul is a common way to end the day.
Combining both mosques in one day
The two have different hours, so order matters.
Start in Sultanahmet
The Blue Mosque opens to visitors at 08:30 and closes around each prayer. On Fridays visits begin at 14:30. See the visiting hours for the seasonal windows.
Cross to the third hill
The Süleymaniye is a separate trip across the old city. Check a route plan on the day, because the Sultanahmet tram stop is not next to it.
Finish on the terrace
The late-afternoon light over the Golden Horn and Galata suits the terrace. Allow time before the last visiting slot at 18:30, and remember that a prayer can close the mosque to tourists earlier.
Do not apply the Sultanahmet seasonal times to the Süleymaniye. The two mosques run to different schedules.
Plan the rest of your trip
More guides from this site.
Süleymaniye Mosque: frequently asked questions
Is the Süleymaniye Mosque free to enter?
Yes. Entry is free, as of 2026. Tours that include it have their own prices.
When can tourists visit?
Daily from about 08:30 to 18:30, except during the prayers and for longer around Friday midday. Come in the morning or in the early afternoon and check the day's schedule.
Who built the Süleymaniye?
Sultan Süleyman commissioned it and Mimar Sinan designed it. The Blue Mosque was built later for Sultan Ahmed I.
Can I see the Golden Horn from the mosque?
Yes, from the courtyard terrace, which looks over the Golden Horn and Galata.
Is this the official site of the mosque?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the mosque, the religious authorities or any ministry.