Hagia Sophia, St. Sophia, Church of Holy Wisdom, Apse mosaics of the Theotokos (Virgin and...

Hagia Sophia is a former Orthodox basilica, later a mosque, and now a museum. From the date of its dedication in 4th Century until 1453, it served as the Greek Patriarchal cathedral of Constantinople. The building was a mosque from 15th Century. Hagia Sophia is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. Interior decorated with mosaics, marble pillars and coverings. Hagia Sophia is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Cite from 1985. The semi-dome of the apse is completely covered with mosaics. Figures are imposed on a gold mosaic background, consisted of golden tesserae. Virgin Mary is wearing a dark blue garment, holding the Christ Child on her lap and sitting on a jeweled throne. The Christ-child is wearing a golden cloak. This mosaic panel is dated to the 9th Century. The upper parts of the arches connecting the windows, are decorated with engraved calligraphy. The present stained-glass windows have 19th Century Turkish designs.