The magnificent Hagia Sopia is probably Turkey’s most known building. A former basilica and mosque and since 1935 it has been a museum and is building alone is the museums greatest treasure. The massive dome measures over 30 metres and stands over 55 metres above ground level making it the world’s largest cathedral for over a thousand years until the Seville Cathedral was completed in the 1500’s. The building is beautifully decorated with gold leaf and amazing mosaics depicting many religious scenes many have been rediscovered in recent years when plaster and paint was removed from walls during renovations.
