Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey

The central dome — The central dome, 102 feet in diameter and 184 feet in height. Arches at the east and west are buttressed by half-domes. Final domes complete in 563.

The central dome — The central dome, 102 feet in diameter and 184 feet in height. Arches at the east and west are buttressed by half-domes. Final domes complete in 563.

Rays of sunlight — Rays of sunlight flow through the 40 arched windows which encircle the dome.

Rays of sunlight — Rays of sunlight flow through the 40 arched windows which encircle the dome.