The awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia in Istanbul

Located in Istanbul’s old town on the European side of the Bosphorus, Hagia Sophia ("Holy Wisdom") was built in the 6th century and was the world's largest religious monument for nearly a thousand years. The building has multiple buttressed domes and towering minarets, and the interior features many intricate golden mosaics. The Ottomans turned Hagia Sophia into a mosque in 1453 when they took Constantinople. Now it is a public museum and a highlight of any visit to Istanbul. Take a tour with the slideshow above.
Beautiful churches around the world

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Throughout the world, faith inspires beauty, as is the case with these 45 stunning churches and cathedrals.
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Inspired by Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal elevates the Gothic-revival architectural style to a stunning height.
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Washington Island, Door County, Wisconsin
The building is modeled after (but not a true replica of) the 12th century stave church in Borgund, Norway.
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The Greek island of Santorini is dotted with white-washed, blue-domed churches, and they're all beautiful. Take your pick!
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Perched on an island in the middle of Bled Lake in Slovenia, the Church of Assumption is only reachable by handmade wooden row boats.
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The riverside Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame in Dinant, Belgium, was destroyed in both World War I and II, but the rebuilt version with its bulbous spire is postcard perfect.
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Brasilia's Santuario Dom Bosco looks boxy from the outside, but once you step through the doors, it's a sight to behold. The walls are made up of 7,500 pieces of Murano glass that when illuminated by the outside sun, cast the interior in a blue glow.
Photo tour: Beautiful Turkey

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Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site, comprises the well-preserved ruins of Hellenistic and Roman settlements. It's one of the best examples of a typical Roman trading port.
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Flanked by six delicate minarets, the Blue Mosque ranks among Istanbul's most famous (and most photographed) buildings.
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Known for its Seljuk architecture and long history, Konya is home to the Mevlana Museum which was the original lodge of the Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes.