Architecture

Monday, 26 October 2026
18 facts about Hagia Sophia
18 facts about Hagia Sophia
The most significant work of Byzantine architecture
The Hagia Sophia's Temple, now an Istanbul mosque, was initially built as the Church of Divine Wisdom. It was the highest-ranking temple in the Byzant ...

Did you know?

Big Ben
The tower's main bell is its largest bell and part of the Great Clock of Westminster.
The original bell was 16-ton, cast in 1856 and because the tower was not yet ready, it was tested in ...
Taj Mahal
The name Taj Mahal means the Palace of the Crown.
Taj in Persian means a crown, and Mahal means palace.
Hagia Sophia
The largest door in Hagia Sophia is the Imperial Gate, an entrance used exclusively by the emperor, his personal bodyguard and entourage.
They date back to the 6th century and are about 7 meters long. Byzantine sources claim they are made of wood from Noah's Ark. In April 2022, the doors were vandalized by unknown assailants.
Mont Saint-Michel
The island is an inspiration for film artists, musicians and writers.
Among others, the 1990 movie Mindwalk was set on Mont Saint-Michel. In 1996, Mike Oldfield composed ...
Alcázar of Seville
A place with a mystical atmosphere is the baths located under the Gothic Palace.
This place used to be a rainwater tank for garden irrigation.
Mont Saint-Michel
In ancient times, Mont Saint-Michel was inhabited by Celtic tribes.
The hill at the time was dedicated to Belenus, the Gallic sun god.
Forbidden City
To the south of the Forbidden City were two important temples.
These were: The Imperial Family Shrine (Imperial Ancestral Temple), where the emperor worshipped the ...
White house
In 2020, First Lady Melania Trump designed and established the Rose Garden.
Michelle Obama established the White House’s first organic garden and installed beehives on the mansion’s south lawn.
Balmoral Castle
Prince Albert's purchase of Balmoral was finalized in June 1852.
The price was £32.000, and in the autumn of the same year, Prince Albert formally took possession of ...
Trevi Fountain
It is supplied with water by an aqueduct built in 19 BC.