Constantinople - Hagia Sophia Dome System
Hagia Sophia Image Gallery
Image Galleries » Constantinople » Hagia Sophia
Of special interest has long been the massive dome atop the Hagia Sofia. The original dome was destroyed by an earthquake in 558, just 21 years after construction. A slightly higher-arching dome was created to replace it and this is what we see today.
The current dome measures 33 meters across and rises 55 meters above the ground. Supported by massive triangular pendentives above four arches that are set upon stone piers along the central aisle. To the east and west are semi-domes that help support the entire structure in a manner similar to that achieved by the flying buttresses employed for Gothic cathedrals in Europe. The lower part of the dome contains 40 small windows which illuminate the massive oval nave below. Because this ring of windows goes all the way around, they give the dome itself an appearance of weightlessness.
The dome was put in danger by a large earthquake in 14th century, so huge buttresses were installed at the north and south sides to reinforce the building.
Writing around 560, Byzantine history Procopius described the dome thus:
"[U]pon this circle rests the huge spherical dome which makes the structure exceptionally beautiful. Yet it seems not to rest upon solid masonry, but to cover the space with its golden dome suspended from Heaven. All these details, fitted together with incredible skill in mid-air and floating off from each other and resting only on the parts next to them, produce a single and most extraordinary harmony in the work, and yet do not permit the spectator to linger much over the study of any one of them, but each detail attracts the eye and draws it on irresistibly to itself. So the vision constantly shifts suddenly, for the beholder is utterly unable to select which particular detail he should admire more than all the others. But even so, though they turn their attention to every side and look with contracted brows upon every detail, observers are still unable to understand the skilful craftsmanship, but they always depart from there overwhelmed by the bewildering sight."
Image Galleries » Constantinople » Hagia Sophia
No comments:
Post a Comment