Top 25 Examples of Byzantine Architecture

Byzantine Architecture is one of the most influential building styles of the past 1500 years. Byzantine buildings pushed the possibilities of construction, engineering, and art. It would be impossible to completely analyze the vast amount of buildings that the Byzantines left behind, but this list will attempt to shed some light on this extraordinary time in architectural history.

Who were the Byzantines?

But first, who were the Byzantines? What was the Byzantine Empire? These are very loaded questions among historians. In simple terms, the Byzantines were the remnants of the Eastern Roman Empire which survived from the 5^th century CE until the fall of Constantinople in 1453 CE. Many people ignore the term “Byzantine” however and simply call them the Romans.

The Romans and Byzantines were very similar. They had a similar government structure, similar cultural values, and they both were some of the most influential powers in their time. Even the Byzantine rulers referred to themselves as Romans, and the term “Byzantine Empire” didn’t even emerge until long after the empire fell in 1453.

Whether you prefer to think of them as the Romans, or the Byzantines, it’s important to know the evolution of the empire over time. The Byzantine Empire was notably different than the Roman Empire in three major ways: the capital was Constantinople, the empire mainly spoke Greek, (particularly after the 7^th century) and the majority of the population were Eastern Orthodox Christians.

Byzantine Architecture Characteristics

The most common unifying element in Byzantine Architecture is the use of mosaics. Mosaics illustrated religious scenes and important historical figures. Byzantine Mosaics decorated the walls and ceilings of many different churches from this time period. Byzantine craftsmen created mosaics not just for the Byzantine Empire, but also for many churches that were built by the Venetians, and the Norman Kings of Sicily. One of the largest collections of these mosaics is at the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. The Hagia Sophia contains hundreds of different mosaics, many of which are covered up by a layer of plaster that was put up by the Ottoman Empire.

The round arch, which was highly utilized by the Ancient Romans, remained an important feature in Byzantine Architecture long after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Round arches were also the main defining characteristic of the Romanesque Style which was heavily influenced by Byzantine works of architecture. The exterior of the Basilica of San Vitale has round arch windows and buttresses. The Byzantines used round arches to create the vast majority of the openings in their buildings and still used round arches long after much of Europe had adopted the pointed Gothic Arch.

Roman and Greek Architecture, which had been around for centuries, were very important in the development of Byzantine Architecture. It’s very clear in the column capitals found in many Byzantine buildings, which all evolved from the original “big three” types of Greek Columns: the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. This column at the Hagia Sophia still has the overall proportions of other Ancient Greek Columns, and you can even see traces of the scrolls found at the tops of Ionic Columns. But this column capital was carved in a uniquely Byzantine style, with different leaves, symbols, and insignias. These carvings have deep recesses between and behind them to give the overall sculpture a great deal of depth.

The Eastern Orthodox Church was based in Constantinople for over 1,000 years, so it’s easy to see why Byzantine Architecture was heavily influenced by this sect of Christianity. Eastern Orthodox art and Iconography are found throughout all Byzantine Churches. Most of the decorations within the Chora Church in Istanbul were completed between 1315 & 1321; during a time when the Eastern Orthodox Religion had spread throughout Europe into modern-day Russia, Ukraine, and Bulgaria. The art of the Eastern Christians was drastically different than the more rich and decadent art of the Latin Christians in the West. The Eastern and Western Christians disagreed on what art was considered appropriate, and that was a small part of the feud that led to the Great Schism of 1054.

Types of Byzantine Churches

Evolution of the Pendentive Dome

A pendentive Dome is a dome designed to sit atop a rectangular space. The Byzantines perfected the art of the Pendentive Dome over the centuries, by developing a system to distribute the weight by spreading it over several half-domes. This design transfers the weight outward and allowed the Byzantines to build domes on a massive scale, There are three main types of pendentive domes used by the Byzantines, and they are:

What are the best examples of Byzantine Architecture?

The Byzantines, like the Ancient Romans, were master builders. They created incredible works of architecture all over their empire and beyond. They invented new building techniques, styles, and technologies. Byzantine Architecture exemplifies the power of their empire and shows how even during the time known as the “dark ages” much of the world was still advanced and inventive. This list will attempt to showcase some of the finest, most innovative, and impressive examples of Byzantine Architecture; highlighting various buildings from throughout the former Byzantine Empire, in modern nations such as Greece, Turkey, and Italy.

1. Hagia Sophia  –  Istanbul, Marmara, Turkey

• Constructed: 537 CE
• Emperor: Justinian I

The Hagia Sophia was built under the reign of Emperor Justinian the Great, one of the most notable rulers of the Byzantines. This time period is often regarded as a high point in Byzantine History. The most impressive fact about this building is that it was constructed in only 5 years and 10 months! This is incredible, especially when you consider that 1000 years later it was common for much smaller cathedrals in Europe to take 100s of years to build. Not only was the church built so quickly, but it was the world’s largest building at the time of its completion.

The Dome of the Hagia Sophia is particularly noteworthy. At the time of its completion, it was the largest dome in the world, surpassing the dome of the Pantheon in Rome. It wasn’t until the completion of Brunelleschi’s dome at Florence Cathedral that the Hagia Sophia lost the title of “world’s largest dome.” The Hagia Sophia was the leading Eastern Orthodox Church until 1453 when it was converted into a mosque by the Ottomans who took over Constantinople after defeating the Byzantines. The Ottoman Turks heavily modified the building, adding in multiple additions, prayer halls, and four large stone minarets.

2. Basilica of Saint’Apollinare Nuovo  –  Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

• Constructed: 561 CE
• Emperor: Justinian I

Ravenna was conquered by the Byzantines in 540 CE, and they quickly made it their regional capital city on the Italian mainland. Technically, one could argue that the basilica isn’t really Byzantine at all, since it was built by the Ostrogoth king Theodoric the Great, but it still was heavily influenced by Byzantine architecture, and many of the mosaics were completed by Byzantine Craftsmen. Shortly after the completion of the church, the Byzantines took Ravenna from the Ostrogoths, and they made several modifications to the church to suit their own preferences. The plan of the church matches the original linear plan of an ancient Roman Basilica, with a long central nave flanked by two parallel halls. The Byzantine Mosaics in the church are some of the best-preserved examples still in existence. They depict various scenes from the bible as well as notable landmarks throughout Ravenna.

3. Walls of Constantinople  –  Istanbul, Marmara, Turkey

• Constructed: 324-448 CE
• Emperor: Constantine I & Theodosius II

The walls of Constantinople (Constantinople has been named Istanbul since 1923) were the last great fortification system of antiquity. They were modified continuously over time but the major constructions were done by Constantine the Great in the 4th century, and Theodosius II in the 5th century. The walls wrapped the entire city, creating a large land wall on the western edge, and a smaller but still formidable sea wall along the eastern, northern, and southern edges of the city. The sea walls, which defended against naval assaults from the waters of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn were less impressive than the western land walls, and traces of them within modern-day Istanbul are often hard to find. The western land wall, which was constructed mainly by Theodosius II from 404-458 CE, was a massive three-tiered system of walls, towers, and moats that were a marvel of military architecture. These walls are often referred to as the Theodosian Walls and are still largely intact today. They helped the Byzantine Empire defend Constantinople against countless sieges for about 1000 years. Finally, in 1453, The Ottoman Empire was able to conquer the city with the help of cannons after a 7-week siege.

4. Basilica of San Vitale  –  Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

• Constructed: 547 CE
• Emperor: Justinian I

Similar to The Basilica of Saint’Apollinare Nuovo, The Basilica of San Vitale is a church built by the Byzantines in Ravenna. During the middle of the 6^th century, the Byzantine Empire was reaching a high point, after conquering parts of Italy, North Africa, and Spain under the rule of Justinian the Great. All of the wealth and prosperity generated by these conquests helped to fund large-scale building projects throughout the Byzantine Empire. The Basilica of San Vitale is a great example of a centrally planned church, a popular building typology in Byzantine Architecture. The church, like a lot of other religious buildings on this list, is famous for its exquisite Byzantine Mosaics. The mosaics in this church contain some of the greatest depictions of Emperor Justinian the Great and his wife Theodora. Today, the Basilica of San Vitale, along with many other notable Byzantine sites located in and around Ravenna, are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

5. Basilica Cistern  –  Istanbul, Marmara, Turkey

• Constructed: 532 CE
• Emperor: Justinian I

You wouldn’t know it while walking around the streets of Istanbul just outside the Hagia Sophia, but beneath your feet is a massive underground water storage tank. This cistern named the Basilica Cistern due to its proximity to an older basilica, is an incredible example of Byzantine infrastructure and urban planning. The enclosed space is truly massive, able to hold 2,800,000 cubic feet of water or about 32 Olympic-size swimming pools worth of liquid. The cistern provided water to much of the city, including the emperor’s royal residence. Within the cistern, there are 336 marble columns, some of which are richly decorated with column capitals, medusa heads, and ornate carvings. Today the Basilica Cistern is open to the public and visitors can walk on elevated pathways in-between the vast network of columns.

6. The Heptapyrgion and Walls of Thessaloniki  –  Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece

• Constructed: 390 CE (+/-)
• Emperor: Theodosius I

Thessaloniki was a leading city within the Byzantine Empire. It was an important seaport and contained a formidable fortification system rivaling that of the Byzantine capital, Constantinople. These walls were largely built during the reign of Theodosius I, around 390 CE. Over the centuries a lot of the walls were added to and modified. Thessaloniki, like many other cities throughout Greece, contained an Acropolis. The Acropolis of Thessaloniki was located at one of the highest points within the city limits. The walls began around the Heptapyrgion and stretched down to the harbor below. The Heptapyrgion was a castle-like structure that functioned as the city’s major defensive citadel. Later on, when Thessaloniki was controlled by the Ottoman Empire, the Heptapyrgion was expanded and eventually converted into a prison.

7. Basilica of Saint’Apollinare in Classe  –  Classe, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

• Constructed: 549 CE
• Emperor: Justinian I

The Basilica of Saint’Apollinare in Classe is the third church on this list that was built by Justinian I in the area around Ravenna. In the 6^th century, Classe located 3 miles (5 km) from modern-day Ravenna, served as Ravenna’s port. Architecturally speaking, Saint’Apollinare in Classe is very similar to its counterpart Saint’Apollinare Nuovo. The church is built in the Roman Basilica style with a linear construction, with the nave and aisles all pointing towards the altar. The most significant part of the basilica is the apse, which is lavishly decorated with Byzantine Mosaics.

8. Monastery of the Pantocrator  –  Istanbul, Marmara, Turkey

• Constructed: 1124 CE
• Emperor: John II Komnenos

The Monastery of the Pantocrator is the second-largest Byzantine Religious building that still exists in Istanbul. The Monastery is actually made up of two separate churches and a smaller chapel. These buildings were all constructed using brick masonry, with mortar joints that are much wider than the bricks themselves. This technique was typically used in Byzantine Architecture from this period and can be seen in many different buildings all over Greece, Anatolia, and the Balkans. After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, the Monastery was converted into a mosque, and it remains as such to this day. Now called the Zeyrek Mosque, the interior of the building more closely resembles other mosques in Istanbul, but traces of the older Byzantine Architecture can still be seen.

9. Ankara Castle  –  Ankara, Central Anatolia, Turkey

• Constructed: 641-668 CE
• Emperor: Constans I

Ankara Castle is a large hilltop fortification located in Ankara, the modern capital of Turkey. Although the original construction date is unknown, many historians believe it was during the reign of Emperor Constans II. Ankara Castle is located in the heart of the old city, on top of a high point that provides views to all of the surrounding areas. The castle is a typical example of military construction from the time period and was built by the Byzantines to help secure the eastern edges of their empire. Today Ankara Castle is a highly visited attraction within the otherwise modern city of Ankara.

10. Our Lady of Saidnaya Monastery  –  Saidnaya, Rif Dimashq Governorate, Syria

• Constructed: 547 CE
• Emperor: Justinian I

Although Byzantine control of Syria was relatively short-lived when compared to their control of modern-day Greece and Turkey; the Byzantines were still able to create several great works of architecture in the region. One of the most impressive examples of Byzantine Architecture in Syria is The Our Lady of Saidnaya Monastery. The monastery, like so many of the buildings on this list, was created during the rule of Justinian I, also known as Justinian the Great. Throughout the Middle Ages, Our Lady of Saidnaya Monastery was an important pilgrimage site, visited by many on the road to Jerusalem. Unfortunately, portions of the building were damaged during the modern Syrian Civil War, but overall the building is still wonderfully preserved despite its age.

11. Hippodrome of Constantinople  –  Istanbul, Marmara, Turkey

• Constructed: 3rd-4th centuries CE
• Emperor: Varies

Chariot racing was a popular pastime in both the Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire. Just like with gladiatorial combat, chariot racing required a large venue to hold the spectators. There are several racetracks all over the remnants of the Roman Empire, most notably the Circus Maximus in Rome and the Hippodrome of Constantinople. Roman chariot races were a popular alternative to Gladiatorial Games which were held at Roman Amphitheaters. The hippodrome was used for centuries, with much of the construction occurring in the 3rd and 4th centuries, under the reigns of Septimius Severus and Constantine I. Today not a lot of the original structure of the Hippodrome remains, but the overall oval shape of the racetrack can be seen in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Square. The best-preserved relic from the Hippodrome of Constantinople is the Obelisk of Thutmose III. The obelisk, which dates from 1490 BCE, was brought to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius I in 390 CE. At the other end of the racetrack is a monument known as the Walled Obelisk, a massive brick-and-mortar obelisk that was once completely covered with a marble veneer, although today only the bricks remain.

12. Monastery of Saint John the Theologian  –  Chora, Patmos, Greece

• Constructed: 1088 CE
• Emperor: Alexios I Komnenos

The Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos gave the Island of Patmos to a group of monks in the late 11th century. Those monks quickly began building a massive fortified monastery. It’s named for Saint John of Patmos, who is believed to have written several books within the bible. The living spaces within the building are completely surrounded by defensive walls which tower over the town below. Today Monastery of Saint John the Theologian is still a functioning monastery, and it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

13. Hagia Sophia  –  Trabzon, Black Sea Region, Turkey

• Constructed: 1238-1263 CE
• Emperor: Manuel I

Hagia Sophia, meaning sacred wisdom, was a common name for a religious building within the Byzantine Empire. The Hagia Sophia in Trabzon Turkey is not nearly as impressive as the one in Istanbul, but it is still a great example of Byzantine Architecture. Construction began in 1238 and at this time Trabzon, formerly known as Trebizond, was actually part of a separate nation, known as the Empire of Trebizond. The Empire of Trebizond formed after the Sack of Constantinople in 1204. Today the Hagia Sophia of Trabzon stands only about 1500 feet (450 meters) from the shores of the Black Sea and is one of several notable Byzantine buildings within the modern city.

14. Sumela Monastery  –  Maçka, Black Sea Region, Turkey

• Constructed: 13th century CE
• Emperor: Varies

Nestled on a steep cliff face 28 miles (46 km) north of Trabzon Turkey, the Sumela Monastery is a religious building that was founded in 386 CE, during the reign of Theodosius I. The building was abandoned and rebuilt several times over the centuries, including during the reign of Justinian I. Most of the architecture that we see today dates from the time of the Empire of Trebizond, a successor state of the Byzantines that flourished from the 13^th to 15^th centuries. The monastery utilizes a large natural cave in the side of the cliff which creates a secluded space. After the area around Sumela Monastery was conquered by the Ottoman Turks, the Ottoman Sultans granted special freedoms to the monastery and its inhabitants. This allowed it to flourish as a center of culture and learning while still under Turkish rule.

15. Karaman Castle  –  Karaman, Mediterranean Region, Turkey

• Constructed: 11th-12th century CE
• Emperor: Varies

Karaman Castle is a large medieval castle fortification located in Karaman, Turkey. The original construction date for the castle is unknown, but historians believe it was built over a long period from the 11^th to 12^th centuries. The castle had three concentric rings of walls, the innermost being the tallest and strongest. In the late 12^th century Karaman was captured by the Seljuk Turks, and the Byzantines retreated back toward their capital, Constantinople. Today the Castle is a popular tourist destination within the city of Karaman, and the area within the walls is used as a public park.

16. Euphrasian Basilica  –  Poreč, Istria Country, Croatia

• Constructed: 553 CE
• Emperor: Justinian I

Another work of Byzantine Architecture from the golden age of the empire is the Euphrasian Basilica. Built under the rule of Justinian I, the church is one of the best examples of Byzantine Building in all of modern Croatia. The church itself, similar to others in Ravenna, has a linear basilica-style floorplan. The apse of the church is known for its particularly striking Byzantine Mosaics. Although mosaics had been used for thousands of years, the Byzantines made certain technological advances to the craft. Byzantine Mosaics were extremely influential among several other art forms over the centuries.

17. Hagios Demetrios  –  Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece

• Constructed: 629-634 CE
• Emperor: Heraclius

The Hagios Demitrios, also known as The Church of Saint Demetrius, is arguably the most important religious building in Thessaloniki. The church was named for the patron saint of the city, Saint Demetrius. The overall design is a five aisled basilica, which is unique as many of the Byzantine Basilicas that survived to modern times have three aisles. The church contains a few examples of Byzantine Mosaics, but unfortunately, much of the interior decorations were lost during the Ottoman Period, when the building was converted into a mosque. During the great Thessaloniki fire of 1917, the church was critically damaged. Today the church is only standing thanks to a massive rebuilding project that took place after the fire.

18. Chora Church  –  Istanbul, Marmara, Turkey

• Constructed: 11th century CE
• Emperor: Alexios I Komnenos

The Chora Church is another great example of Byzantine Architecture located within the city of Istanbul. The church was nicknamed Chora Church, to indicate it was built outside the defensive fortifications in the 4th century CE. However, the Theodosian wall, built in the 5th century, enclosed the church and surrounding areas. The architecture of the church that we see today was rebuilt in the 11th century after the previous building was damaged in an earthquake. The mosaics are some of the best-preserved in Istanbul, although they have seen a lot of erosion over time. Over the past 70 years, experts have been painstakingly restoring the Chora Church and all of its interior decorations. Even though the Chora Church has a relatively small footprint compared to other impressive buildings in Istanbul, the mosaics and intricate stonework inside are well worth a visit.

19. Sangarius Bridge  –  Adapazarı, Marmara, Turkey

• Constructed: 562 CE
• Emperor: Justinian I

The Sangarius bridge is one of a handful of surviving bridges built by the Byzantine Empire. During the reign of Justinian I, the bridge was built over the Sakarya River. The bridge spans over 1400 feet (429 meters) and sits on seven larger central arches and five smaller outer arches. It was built using the same techniques as many other medieval bridges that were built later on. Justinian the Great commissioned the bridge as a way to make travel to the eastern provinces of the empire easier. The bridge allowed troops and supplies to make their way from the capital out toward Anatolia much faster. Although most of the bridge used to be over the wide Sakarya River, the course of the river has changed over the centuries and now most of the bridge sits over dry land.

20. Hagia Sophia  –  Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece

• Constructed: 690-730 CE
• Emperor: Leo III

The third church titled “Hagia Sophia” on this list, the Hagia Sophia in Thessaloniki is another fantastic example of early Byzantine Architecture. The church was completed during the reign of Leo III. The Hagia Sophia of Thessaloniki is built using a Greek Cross-type plan, replicating several other churches throughout the Byzantine Empire. Although partially destroyed in the great fire of Thessaloniki in 1917, much of the original stonework and mosaics remain. The dome, roof, and many interior decorations were rebuilt after the fire. Today, along with several other historic buildings, the church is part of a group of UNESCO Listed Sites in Thessaloniki.

21. Castle of Mytilene  –  Mytilene, Island of Lesbos, Greece

• Constructed: 1373 CE
• Emperor: John V Palaiologos

The Castle of Mytilene is a medieval fortress located on the Greek Island of Lesbos in the Aegean Sea. The castle has a complex history, with layers of walls and towers built in the 6^th century under Justinian I, the 14^th century under John V, and in the 17^th and 18^th centuries under the Ottoman Empire. The seaside fortress the most formidable fortification on the entire island. The castle grounds take up more than 60 acres of land (0.4 hectares) making it one of the largest castles in the Mediterranean Sea.

22. Fortifications of Trebizond  –  Trabzon, Black Sea Region, Turkey

• Constructed: 11th-15th century CE
• Emperor: Varies

The fortifications of Trebizond were a series of walls, towers, gates, and bridges that all surrounded the medieval center of the city. It’s nearly impossible to give an exact date to their construction as they were modified over the centuries. Some portions date from the Roman period, but much of the construction was also done during the reign of the Byzantine Empire, as well as the Empire of Trebizond. The Empire of Trebizond was a successor state to the Byzantine Empire that functioned as a separate entity as the Byzantines were declining in the late middle ages. At the time the walls were built, Trebizond was one of the largest seaports in the Black Sea.

23. Theodosius Cistern  –  Istanbul, Marmara, Turkey

• Constructed: 443 CE
• Emperor: Theodosius II

Just like the Basilica Cistern listed above, the Theodosius Cistern was a large underground basin meant to store water for the ancient city of Constantinople. The cistern was built by Emperor Theodosius II and the water was supplied by the Valens Aqueduct. The roof of the cistern is supported by 32 marble columns connected by vaults and arches to support the street level of Istanbul above. Today the cistern is open to the public after a restoration project that took nearly a decade. The cistern itself looks almost like a cyborg of some sort, with various metal bars and rings added to all of the columns in order to provide extra support to the 1500-year-old construction.

24. Castle and City of Mystras  –  Mystras, Peloponnese, Greece

• Constructed: 1248-1460 CE
• Emperor: Varies

Mystras was a leading fortification and city within the Byzantine Empire. The founding of the city was actually during a tumultuous time for the Byzantines. The empire was essentially dismantled in the early 13^th century when various western European powers sacked the city of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade. But eventually, the remnants of the Byzantines restructured and took back Constantinople and re-established the former Byzantine Empire. It was during this period in the late middle ages that the city of Mystras began to thrive as a center for architecture, culture, and commerce. Within the shadow of the hilltop castle, a small community grew into a prosperous city. Mystras began to decline during the reign of the Ottoman Empire and was essentially abandoned in the 19th century. Today Mystras contains great examples of Byzantine Architecture, including some well-preserved churches, as well as the remnants of the castle and other fortifications.

25. Hagia Irene  –  Istanbul, Marmara, Turkey

• Constructed: 548 CE
• Emperor: Justinian I

The Hagia Irene is one of the oldest churches within modern-day Istanbul. The church was built on the foundation of an earlier pagan temple dating from the days of the Roman Empire. The first church was built on this spot during the reign of Emperor Constantine I, but it later burned down in 532 CE. Emperor Justinian I, had the church rebuilt shortly after its destruction. Although significantly smaller than the nearby Hagia Sophia, The Hagia Irene is very similar in style and construction. The church is built from a series of arches and vaults, which hold up a large dome. This technique was revolutionary at the time and was replicated constantly throughout Byzantine Architecture. Today the Hagia Irene is completely enclosed within the walls of the Topkapı Palace, the Royal Residence of the Ottoman Sultans which was built about 1000 years after the Hagia Irene.

Influences of Byzantine Architecture

The Byzantine Empire was one of the most powerful and influential empires in history. They can clearly be seen as a continuation of the once-mighty Roman Empire, and although not as well known as their Latin counterparts, the Byzantines still left their mark on history and on architecture. Even after the collapse of the empire in the 15^th century, Byzantine Architecture influenced building and art even up until today. Three of the most notable examples of the architectural influences of the Byzantines are Byzantine Style Mosaics, Byzantine Revival Architecture, and the architecture of the Ottoman Empire.

Byzantine Mosaics were replicated countless times throughout the Mediterranean and beyond. The Norman Cathedral of Monreale in Sicily and Saint Mark’s Basilica in Venice are two incredible buildings that both utilize the Byzantine Mosaic Technique. Although they are not Byzantine Buildings if you stand in either one of these you are reminded of many of the Byzantine Basilicas mentioned above.

Byzantine Revival Architecture was a building style that emerged in the late 19th century. There are countless examples of Byzantine Revival Buildings throughout the world today, and many Eastern Orthodox Churches have been built in this style. The image below shows Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sophia Bulgaria. Here you can see all of the elements of ancient Byzantine Architecture, except this church was completed in 1912.

The Ottoman Empire, which took over much of the former territories of the Byzantine Empire, built some of the most impressive mosques in the world today. Within Istanbul alone, there are nearly 3,000 mosques, most of which borrow elements from Byzantine Architecture. Two of the largest Mosques ever built by the Ottoman Empire, Süleymaniye Mosque and Sultan Ahmed Mosque, both greatly resemble the Hagia Sophia.

Ottoman architects studied the Hagia Sophia and other Byzantine Churches, in order to understand the geometry and engineering which would allow them to build buildings with huge open interior spaces. Creating a massive interior space with a tall ceiling height, was virtually impossible without using interior columns for support. But the Byzantines, following Ancient Roman architectural traditions, were able to use complex geometry and devise a way to make a large dome spread its load outward through arches and vaults to create an open interior space.

Byzantine Architecture today

Examples of Byzantine Architecture can be found throughout the world we live in today. If it wasn’t for the success of the Byzantine Empire and the structures they left behind, modern architecture would be extremely different. Whether you think of them as Romans, or something else, the Byzantines were an impressive civilization that revolutionized the world of architecture.

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