Sophia of Constantinople

Sophia of Constantinople was a prominent Eastern Orthodox church known as the Hagia Sophia, built in 537 AD under Emperor Justinian I. Originally serving as a cathedral, it stood as a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture with enormous domes and intricate mosaics. Over centuries, it functioned as a church, mosque, and museum, symbolizing the rich religious and cultural history of Istanbul (formerly Constantinople). Today, it remains a UNESCO World Heritage site, admired globally for its historical significance, architectural grandeur, and as a symbol of the enduring legacy of Byzantine civilization.