Considered the finest example of Byzantine architecture in the world, Hagia Sophia was constructed on a scale unprecedented in human history. Built in the amazingly short time of five years, it bears witness to an amazing scientific knowledge and a rich cultural heritage from the past.
What were the artistic and cultural intentions of its architects? How did they manage to overcome the incredible technical and engineering challenges of the time?

Today experts are continuously discovering new artistic treasures in Hagia Sophia’s walls, relics of a tumultuous and majestic past. But its future may be threatened by a gigantic earthquake. An international team of architects, historians, seismologists and engineers are working on solving the monuments’ mysteries and are struggling on how to save it from destruction.


Documentary: Building Wonders, Hagia Sophia
Directed by: Gary Glassman & Olivier Julien
Production: NOVA, Providence Pictures, ZED & ARTE France

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