Hagia Sophia

Considered the finest example of Byzantine architecture in the world, Hagia Sophia was constructed on a scale unprecedented in human history. Built in the amazingly short time of five years, it bears witness to an amazing scientific knowledge and a rich cultural heritage from the past.

What were the artistic and cultural intentions of its architects? How did they manage to overcome the incredible technical and engineering challenges of the time? Research and restauration work carried out on site has led to the discovery of artistic treasures in Hagia Sophia’s walls – relics of a tumultuous and majestic past. But its future may be threatened by a gigantic earthquake in the coming years…

Shot before the monument was reconverted into a mosque by the Turkish authorities, this film follows a team of international experts – architects, seismologists, and engineers – working on solving the monument’s mysteries, and determined to preserve it from destruction.