Built during the reign of Justinian I; largest of his 25 new cathedrals. This took Justinian I five years (532 - 537) to build. *It became known as the Church of Holy Wisdom
When Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453, it became a mosque; today it is a museum.
Height = 180ft
Diameter = 107ft
Dome contains 40 stained glass windows at its circumference
Six colors of marble were used biulding the walls, arches and columns
The Hagia Sophia had a pendentive, which joined the wall w/the base of the dome (and held the dome, as well)
Mosaics glittered in the daytime
Plain exterior symbolizes earthly life
Ornate interior symbolizes spiritual universe
3. Important Concepts Found in Hagia Sophia's Architecture