Seriously one of the greatest places on earth. The architecture is impeccable. The size is immense. The history is rich with religious fervor and conflict. This place went from a Christian church to a Muslim mosque, to a museum. This place definitely lives up to its name Hagia Sophia, meaning "Holy Wisdom."
The Byzantine empire built this building around 300 AD. It wasn't until like 500 AD that they got the current structure. When the Ottomans took over Constantinople, now Istanbul, they converted this building into a mosque. They covered all of the Christian symbols and personages (thank goodness or else we wouldn't have these original pictures todays). They then put up their signatures of the Imams (at least that's what they are called by the Sunni Muslims). That's why you see the signatures and virgin Mary and baby Jesus in the the second picture. Seriously, what other religious building contain both Christ and the Imams? It's amazing how both religions truly revered this building. Kind of reminds me of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
Also, the picture at the bottom with Jesus in the middle is the first depiction of the Jesus that we all imagine. Every other artist painted/drew/sculpted Jesus to look like this painting (or at least His features). This was such a cool sight.
If you had to go to Europe, go to Turkey. Turkey is one of the most amazing countries' anyone can ever go to. This is something that should be on everybody's bucket list. I definitely want to go back again.
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