Built under the rule of Emperor Justinian, the great church Hagia Sophia represents Byzantium at its finest, during the glory days of the 6th Century. Upon completion in 537 A.D., Hagia Sophia's dome earned the superlative of having the largest dome anywhere, until the dome atop the Cathedral in Florence was completed some 900 years later. After the fall of the Byzantium Empire, Hagia Sophia was transformed into a Mosque, which it remains to this day. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.
