Hagia Sophia, Aya Sofya, Ayasofya, St. Sophia, Church of Holy Wisdom, Nave - Dome, Ceiling

Hagia Sophia is a former Orthodox basilica, later a mosque, and now a museum. From the date of its dedication in 4th Century until 1453, it served as the Greek Patriarchal cathedral of Constantinople. The building was a mosque from 15th Century. The magnificent view created by the high dome, marble columns and arches is overwhelming. The dome is constructed of light bricks, the forty windows at the base of the dome are decorated with multicolored mosaics. The ceiling is entirely covered with mosaics. The dome rests on four large arches, and these are supported by four pillars. The interior of Hagia Sophia contains 107 columns. The walls are supported by pillars and Great columns of green and white marble supported the galleries. The walls of the main nave are covered with marble up to the upper reaches of the gallery. The walls of the side naves and inner narthex are covered with marble from floor to ceiling. These valuable marbles of all colors from different regions. Some of these columns came from temples in Egypt, Rome and even as far away as France.