The Hagia Sophia Church is located in the capital city of Sofia in Bulgaria. It happens to be the second oldest church of Sofia. It is a well-known tourist destination of Bulgaria. There are three altars in the church and is one of the greatest possessions of the country. The church represents an old Christian architectural marvel. The word Hagia Sophia basically means ‘holy wisdom’ in Greek language.
There were a number of other churches in the place of the Hagia Sophia Church of Bulgaria before it was constructed. There was a theatre belonging to the Romans in the site of the church in the 2nd century. The earlier churches were demolished by the Huns and the Goths.
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Hagia Sophia Church has been constructed in a Roman Catholic architectural style. There are two towers in the eastern side and one tower-cupola. The basic cross design is believed to have been constructed in the mid-6th century during the rule of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.
During the period of 12th to 14th century, the Hagia Sophia Church in Sofia was able to acquire a metropolitan status. The city of Sofia got its name from this church of Bulgaria. The church was however converted into a mosque during the rule of the Ottoman Empire. The earthquakes of the 19th century led to the destruction of one of the minarets. Owing to this, the mosque was abandoned. After 1900 AD, the restoration work begun.
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