The standard example of architecture used in most all classes on history of architecture is Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. This "Eighth Wonder of the World" has served as a Christian church and Islamic Mosque and is now a museum. The edifice is often called Saint Sophia by westerners, but this is a misnomer. During its time as a Christian church, it was never dedicated to Saint Sophia, but was dedicated to Devine Wisdom. The first small basilica was built on the site in the 4th Century. Following its destruction, construction on the first Hagia Sophia, as we know it today, started in 532 based on Roman design. Because of the weight of the enormous dome and the lack of complete understanding and building techniques of the age, the dome collapsed - twice, once in the 10th and once in the 14th Century. It took huge sums of money to maintain the building. Following the Turkish conquest in 1453, the church was restored, buttressed, and converted to a mosque. In its history, Hagia Sophia served as a church for 916 years and as a mosque for 477 years. It doesn't look too bad for its age, does it?.