Commissioned by the emperor Justinian - Hagia Sophia was completed in 537 AD after five years of construction. It was designed by Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus and is considered an example of classical Byzantine architecture. The current structure replaces two earlier churches that were destroyed by rebellions. It was the world's largest cathedral when it was built, a title it held for over 900 years. It was converted to a mosque after Constantinople was overrun by the Ottoman Turks in 1453. Hagia Sophia would have held its title of largest cathedral for several more decades, until the larger cathedral in Seville was completed in 1511.

	Overviews of the exterior of the Hagia Sophia.
	Interior views.

All photos on this page are originals by & copyrighted by Daren Willden, unless otherwise stated. All rights reserved.