Hagia Sophia in Constantinople and Nicaea
Abstract
This chapter discusses the pivotal new role for a Nicaean church when it became the seat of the Orthodox Christian Patriarch, who had been ousted from his customary home in Hagia Sophia, Constantinople. The two churches shared a dedication to Holy Wisdom (Hagia Sophia) and possessed similar ancient floor plans, providing an irresistible Nicaean option to replace the now Latin Catholic Constantinopolitan church. This chapter details little-known renovations to the Nicaean church’s interior and dates them to the Laskarid period.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Byzantine Studies and History
Historical and Religious Studies of Rome
Historical Architecture and Urbanism
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Cambridge University Press eBooks
- Pages
- 132–183
- Publication date
- 29 January 2026
- Document type
- Book chapter