Discover the extraordinary story of Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul’s most important architectural landmarks and one of the most influential buildings in world history.

Built in the sixth century, when Istanbul was still Constantinople, Hagia Sophia became the great cathedral of the Byzantine Empire under Emperor Justinian I. Its vast central dome, dramatic interior space and innovative structural design transformed the possibilities of architecture and made it one of the defining monuments of Constantinople.

In this episode, we explore how Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus created a building unlike anything the city had seen before, why its original dome partially collapsed, and how Hagia Sophia continued to evolve over the next 1,500 years.

We follow its transformation from Byzantine cathedral to Roman Catholic church, Ottoman mosque, museum and, since 2020, mosque once again. Along the way, we look at the Fourth Crusade, the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the conquest by Mehmed II, the architectural interventions of Mimar Sinan, the addition of minarets and Islamic elements, and the rediscovery of its Byzantine mosaics in the twentieth century.

Whether you are interested in Hagia Sophia, Constantinople, Byzantine architecture, Ottoman architecture, Istanbul history, historic mosques and churches, or planning a trip to Istanbul, this episode explains why the building remains one of the defining monuments of the city.

If you enjoy discovering architecture while traveling, visit WentoTravel.com to organize your trips, routes, photos and places on one map. Use code ARCHITECTURETOPICS for 30% off.