History of Hagia Sophia Building

Hagia Sophia one of the most admirable buildings ever created, designed by Anthemios of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus, and built under the Emperor Justinian I from 532–537. The building has an Unbelievable way of allowing light into the building, instead of a few large arched windows Hagia Sophia distributes the weight and allows for numerous windows allowing sunlight to pour into the building. Just in the great hallway alone about ten large arched windows allow the beautifully painted mosaics ceiling, marble coverings, and pillars, to come alive.

This fantastic design that the main dome is surrounded on four sides by half semi circles which increases the size of Hagia Sophia immensely when standing below the dome. The Dome in a sense is pulled by the four smaller circular ceiling pieces enlarging the space to make colossal room with a ceiling reaching 180 feet. Each room has a flowing design allowing the space of the entire structure to connect so perfectly. The space is spread out in a centripetal way of organization with the hierarchy space being the large area beneath the dome, which sits above 40 arched windows.

This dome is said to have “changed the face of architecture during the Byzantine empire. ” ? These windows also prevent rain and other elements form entering through the roof, however sunlight pours in through these windows. When standing beneath the dome it has an illusionistic design that looks like the dome is actually floating above you. Predominantly the great room surrounded by a lesser hierarchy important rooms which ultimately together interlock to form such a beautiful and unique architectural design.

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Every part of the building is so large and extremely detailed; each room is an architectural masterpiece. Space and light are the most prevalent features of Hagia Sophia. Once standing underneath the dome you become amazed at how large of a space you are actually underneath while colossal pillars hold up the ceiling where light flows in. Everywhere you look in Hagia Sophia there are intricate pillars made of breathtaking marble.

Hagia Sophia is positioned right in the middle of Constantinople, “Hagia Sophia became the ceremonial centerpiece of city, the last monument of Roman architectural inventiveness carried out to an ethereal vision on a grand scale. ” Several large simple geometric shapes penetrate one another to form the building in such a unique and interesting way. “Hagia Sophia history is shaded with ownerships by many religions. Beginning in 360 to 1453 it served as the cathedral of Constantinople (also known as Istanbul).

For a brief period, it began the Roman Catholic cathedral of the area. ” ? Hagia Sophia has been rebuilt several times “The dome was rebuilt after an earthquake caused its collapse in 557; rebuilt by Isidoros the Younger; there were also partial collapses in the 10th and 14th centuries. The church was converted to a mosque in 1453. ” Currently it serves as a Museum. Hagia Sophia changed architecture forever and will always be known as one of the greatest pieces of architecture ever designed.