Hagia Sophia, St. Sophia, Church of Holy Wisdom, Imperial Gate Mosaic

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 Mosaic above the Imperial Gate is located in the tympanum above the central Gate, which opens into the main hall from the inner narthex. In the middle of the scene Jesus Christ is sitting on a throne adorned with several precious stones and holds in his hand an open book. Within a medallions is a portrayal of Mary and of the Archangel Gabriel . On the left is a figure of Emperor Leon VI.