Istanbul: Chora Church

This stunning early 14th century mosaic in the central dome of the exonarthex (outer narthex = outer lobby) portrays the Wedding at Cana in Galilee. It is one of four mosaics showing Christ's miracles located in the spandrels of the dome. In the Gospel of John, Jesus and his disciples are invited to a wedding, and when the wine runs out Jesus turns water into wine. In Christianity, this is considered as one of Jesus's miracles.The Church of Holy Savior in Chora is one of the most beautiful Byzantine churches. The original church on this site was built in the early 5th century, but most of the current structure dates to the years 10771081. Its fine mosaics and frescoes were added between 1315 and 1321.In the early 16th century, the church was converted into a mosque by the Ottoman rulers, and the frescoes and mosaics were plastered over. In 1948, it was secularized, and in the following years the stunning mosaics and frescoes were restored.https://www.flickr.com/photos/14785777@N07/6088807220