Hagia Sophia
Currently being used as a
museum, Hagia Sophia Church in Trabzon was built by one of the kings of Trabzon Empire Manuel
Komnenos (1238-1263) . Name of the Hagia Sophia means "Holy Wisdom" .
After the conquest of
Trabzon by Fatih Sultan Mehmet church was converted to a mosque.
During the first world war
building used as a warehouse and later hospital eventualy it was used as mosque
before. Between the years 1958-1962 in collaboration
with the Directorate General of Foundations and the University of Edinburgh hagia sophia church have been restored and converted to a museum for the visitors.
This building is one of
the finest examples of late Byzantine churches with a closed arm cross plan.
A single-headed
eagle motif which is a symbol of Komnenos stands on the keystone of the arch on
the southern front. A similar depiction
of an eagle is located out of the main
apse the eastern side. On this front, Centaurus griffin, pigeons depictions, square
panels with the star and crescent , floral motiffed medallions are found.
Under the main dome of the
building a very colorful mosaic of made
of marble can be seen.
Frescos which take a big part
of the decorations in the church mostly contains issues and scenes from the
bible.
On the main dome jesus the
Pantacrator depiction which reflects the divine aspect of Jesus christ is
available.
Under this main depiction ,
inscriptions and freezes of angels and among the windows twelve disciples
figures were depicted.
Different compositions are
found on Pendentives. Birth of jesus christ, baptism, crucifixion, Day of
Resurrection scenes are depicted.
Portraits in medallions on
the circular arches of the back of the building are included. Over the Vaults
of the building religious scenes from bible can be seen.
How much is the entrance
fee to Hagia Sophia Museum ?
Entrance
fee to visit Hagia Sophia church in Trabzon is 5
TL
Hagia Sophia Museum can be visited and opened every day from
09:00 17:00
How
to go trabzon Hagia Sophia Museum ?
Adres :
Fatih Mah.Ayasofya Sok. Merkez