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Istanbul is the best place in the world to see the greatest surviving examples of Bizantine architecture and art. First of them is Hagia Sophia or Church of Holy Wisdom which was the Patriarchal church during the Byzantine era. The building stand here in 360, however the existing, third one - has been inaugurated in 537 by emperor Justinian.

Of great artistic value was its decorated interior with mosaics and marble pillars and coverings. The temple itself was so richly and artistically decorated that Justinian proclaimed, "Solomon, I have outdone thee!"

Hagia Sophia is best known for its vast interior, high dome and fabulous mosaics, many dating from the 10th century. Mosaics from earlier periods were probably destroyed during the Iconoclastic Movement of the 8th and 9th centuries.

The other example of Eastern empire is Church of St Saviour de Chora, known in Istanbul as Kariye Camii (Kariye Mosque). It is the most fascinating church in Istanbul after Hagia Sophia because of its brilliant mosaics and frescos portraying the lives of the Virgin mary and Christ. These are some the finest examples of Christian art in the world.

The church's Greek name, Chora, means simply 'in the country' as it was originally outside the first city walls built by Constantine the Great. The present church built by the mother-in-law of the Bizantine emperor Alexius I Comnenus, dates from the late 11th century, and the frescos and paintings were done in the early 14th century by Grand Logethete Theodore Metochites, whose mosaic stands in the mural above the door to the nave. It shows him offering the church to the enthroned Christ.

Both Hagia Sophia and Church of St Saviour de Chora have been converted to mosques after Turks conquered Constantinople, today they are noth musesums and are open to visitors.

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