Istanbul Trails Photos » Hagia Sophia

Virgin Mary in Hagia Sophia

Istanbul Trails — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 15:23:09 +0000

This is a mosaic of the Virgin Mary in the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) in Istanbul. After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the Christian mosaics were plastered over. They were accidentally discovered during renovations in the 19th century and are slowly but surely being restored.

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul

Istanbul Trails — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 14:58:31 +0000

The Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) in Istanbul, also referred to as the Church of Devine Wisdom. This is certainly one of Istanbul’s most famous and fascinating tourist attractions.

Nave of the Hagia Sophia

Istanbul Trails — Thu, 11 Aug 2005 08:34:45 +0000

The Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) was first a church, was then converted into a mosque, and was declared a museum in 1934. This odd history of one of Istanbul’s greatest sightseeing spots is still very much visible inside.