The monumental Hagia Sophia, Ayasofya, was, for nearly one thousand years until the 16th century, the biggest Christian church in the world, a feat of Christianity and the icon of Byzantium, designed to outshine in splendour and magnificence every other religious structure. This great structure was built on top of the vestiges of two previous churches using marble and columns from a number of the celebrated temples in Turkey that had collapsed or been removed. Justinian appointed two paramount architects of the time, Anthemius of Tralles (Aydin) and Isidorus of Miletus to undertake this mammoth task which was also an effort to contend with unemployment after the Nika Revolt. Their grandiose task was completed in 537 AD after 5 years and 4 months and Justinian was rapturous. To his great disappointment, however, the dome collapsed in an earthquake 2 years later. A new dome was built and many features added to prevent the disaster from happening again.

A trip to Istanbul will probably turn out to be one of the most interesting experiences of your life! The people, the culture and all the interesting and imressive sites and sounds such as Istanbul's Hagia Sophia. The outstanding Istanbul hotels, where you will be warmly welcomed, are just as interesting and impressive.