Mosaic of the Donors

This mosaic is located on the exterior, above the door that leads south out of the narthex.

In the center is the Virgin Mary seated on a throne holding the Christ Child.  On her left (our right) is “Constantine, the great Emperor among the Saints” who is offering her the city of Constantinople.  On her right (our left) is “Justinian, the Illustrious Emperor” who is offering her a model of the Hagia Sophia church.  The mosaic dates to the late tenth century and was one of the first to be restored in the 1930’s.

For a brief description of the Hagia Sophia Click Here .

Image upgraded 30 July, 2021.