Mosaic, Haghia Sophia

This mosaic in the Haghia Sophia was covered over when the Muslims took over the city in 1453. The well preserved mosaics where uncovered during renovations in 1930 when Ataturk converted the Haghia Sophai to a national museum. This mosaic of Christ is thought to be the image that all pictures of him are based on.

Dome, Haghia Sophia

Built by Justinian in 536 the dome was the largest built until Saint Peters was completed in the Vatican.

Column Detail, Haghia Sophia

Justinian was said to have cured a migraine by resting his head on one of the columns leading to a belief that each column of the church could cure a specific disease.

Stairs to Upper Level, Haghia Sophia

Entrance Hall, Haghia Sophia