Restoration work reveals nine kilometres of tunnels beneath Hagia Sophia

Restoration work at Hagia Sophia in Constantinople has revealed nine kilometres of underground tunnels . Parts of the network could be opened to visitors once restoration is complete, Turkey’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, has announced.

“However, there are collapses and areas that prevent passage. We are currently continuing cleaning and restoration work in the accessible sections. Once the work is completed, we can consider opening suitable and safe sections to visitors,” the minister said in a social media post.

Restoration work The underground tunnels at the Hagia Sophia Basilica in Constantinople could be partially opened to visitors after renovations are completed, the Turkish Minister of Culture announced on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Photo source: X.com The Turkish minister listed several areas where work has already been completed, including the tombs, a school built during the Ottoman period, the Clock Tower, the floor and gallery, and the minaret added to the north-east during the Ottoman era.

Work is continuing on structural reinforcement and the conservation of mosaics in the main dome and eastern semi-dome.

The restoration of…