Fox News
Ancient tunnels beneath famous Hagia Sophia explored after 3,000 tons of debris cleared
Friday, November 13, 2026
Archaeologists removed approximately 3,000 tons of debris from underground tunnels beneath Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, exposing Roman passages estimated to be 1,600 years old. The clearing work revealed previously inaccessible sections of the tunnel system located beneath the historic structure. No additional details about the tunnels' layout, contents, or planned further exploration were provided.
Original reporting:
