Hagia (Aya) Sophia

by timistravels on February 11, 2013

entry hallway

dome

Jan. 1, 2013

Hagia (Aya) Sophia was originally built as an Orthodox basilica, then a Roman Catholic cathedral and later a mosque. It has been a museum since 1935.

Visiting here is a must while in Istanbul. There is so much beauty in the structure and the mosaic pieces of artwork that are masterful. At one time they were covered by plaster but have been uncovered for visitors to see.

It was built from 532 to 537 and has a very large dome at the front. At the time it was the largest dome ever to be built and it is still studied today as it is considered such an architectural masterpiece.

It was the largest cathedral for 1000’s of years. In 1453 it was converted to a mosque with the alter being removed and many of the mosaic decor plastered over. Minarets were added as well as the minbar where prayers are delivered and mihrab an arch in the walls where Muslims face during prayer.

There was a huge earthquake in 989 that caused one of the domes to crumble. The repair took over 6 years but there was a lot of additional interior paintings and mosaics; Christ on the dome, the Virgin Mary holding Jesus with Peter and Paul on either side of her.

Hagia Sophia is closed on Monday!