Hagia Sophia, Byzantine church in center Thessaloniki, Greece
Hagia Sophia is a Byzantine church in central Thessaloniki featuring a large dome supported by marble columns and intricate interior details. The building combines structural elements from different construction phases into one complex religious structure.
The church was built in the 8th century on the remains of an earlier 4th-century basilica structure. After serving as the city's main cathedral, it was converted to a mosque in 1523, marking a major shift in its function.
The interior features Byzantine mosaics depicting religious scenes that reflect how art was central to spiritual life during that era. Today, these works still show visitors what people valued and celebrated in their faith.
The building is accessible daily, though visitors should wear appropriate clothing that covers shoulders and knees. It helps to arrive in the morning hours when fewer people are present and the interior lighting is better for viewing.
The building displays a transitional form between the older basilica style and later domed design, allowing builders to explore new approaches to construction. This building method proved influential for how religious structures were designed in the region afterward.
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