Hagia Sophia, St. Sophia, Church of Holy Wisdom, Nave - Apse, Mihrab

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 mihrab located in the apse where the altar used to stand, pointing towards Mecca. A mihrab is semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the direction that Muslims should face when praying.