Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey

Hagia Sophia is a grand mosque in Istanbul. It is also known as being built as a Basilica during the time of Constantine the Great. The original building was constructed in 325 and was consecrated in 360.

The Hagia Sophia was actually destroyed twice. First by a fire caused by a riot in 404 (after which, Hagia Sophia NOT FOUND). It was rebuilt in 415. It was then burned again during the Nika insurrection in 532. The third church, as it is today, was completed in 537.

Originally, the Byzantines used the Hague Sophia as a Coronation Hall. There is still a mark on the floor where Coronation would happen (there is a picture of it below).

If you get to go, I find this to be a useful floor plan to understand the Mosque.
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