Hagia Sophia (once a Byzantine church, then a mosque, and now a museum) is a miraculous space, with a dome surrounded by light that — it is said — appears to be suspended from heaven. Virtually explore with Smarthistory as your guide.
Some background
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Late Byzantine naturalism: Hagia Sophia’s Deësis mosaic
This mosaic shows how the arts—and an interest in naturalism—flourished in the final centuries of the Byzantine Empire.
Hagia Sophia as a mosque
After the Ottomans conquered Constantinople, the sultan repurposed this church, adding slender “pencil” minarets.
Theotokos mosaic, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
The size and solidity of this Virgin and Christ reaffirmed the power of images in the wake of Byzantine iconoclasm.
Hagia Sophia as a mosque
After the Ottomans conquered Constantinople, the sultan repurposed this church, adding slender “pencil” minarets.
Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
The golden dome of this vast building appears suspended from heaven. It has withstood quakes, conquest, and crusades.
