IV. 
CONSTANTINOPLE. ] 07 
But that of Sultan Solyman may fairly vie with chap. 
the boasted chef-d' ceuvre oiAnthemius oiTralles*, 
The pavement of St. Sophia is entirely of 
marble, worked in different ornamental com- 
partments ; but it is covered by mats, and by 
several large carpets. Perhaps the whole 
building may appear to greater advantage, when 
it is illuminated for the Turkish festivals; but 
at other times, it is always gloomy. The win- 
dows are ill contrived, and they are worse pre- 
served ; the only light admitted, passes through 
little round panes of glass, smeared with the 
plaster in which they are fixed, and covered 
with dust. All the interior of the dome^ is 
lined with mosaic, disposed into figures and 
ornamental work. This the Turks have covered 
with white-wash ; hoping thereby to conceal 
the mosaic painting : but as the investment falls 
the Turks, by a long and low wall, represented in the Plate facing 
p. 56 of Vol. II. of the Quarto Edition of these Travels. There are six 
minarets belonging to this mosque ; from the top of which may be 
viewed the finest prospect in the whole world. 
(4) The architect of St. Sophia, under Justinian; assisted by 
Isidorus of Miletus. 
(5) The flatness of its dome constitutes all that is marvellous in 
the architecture of the building. It equals 105 feet in diameter, and 
only 18 in depth ; although elevated 165 feet above the pavement of 
the mosque. The diameter of the Dome of St. Peter's at Romr 
equals 133 feet; and that of St, Paul's in London, 100 feet. 
