St. Sophia’s Church ( Hagia Sophia), in Moscow Road, Bayswater district, London was built by the Greek Community in London and was consecrated on 5th February1882 as the Church of the Holy Wisdom (Sophia) of God by Antonios, the Metropolitan of Corfu. It was built to be a focal point for the Greek nationals settled in London and mostly in Bayswater, Paddington and Notting Hill. London abounds attractions, be it historical, religious like Hagia Sophia, cultural, shopping, and dining or entertainment. If you want to unwind after a hectic day in the city, hotels in Bayswater London offer many options. If it is a conveniently located, comfortable hotel in a quiet environment that you need Berjaya Eden Park London Hotel would be a good choice.
This gem of Byzantine revival architecture was designed by John Oldrid Scott. St. Sophia’s Cathedral has been built to resemble a Greek cross with four projecting arms forming a nave, transepts and a sanctuary. The exterior is of yellow brick banded with red brick and dressings in stone and red brick. The central copper clad dome has 12 round arched lights and is surmounted by a gilded cross.
The walls of the rich and beautiful interior is lined with deep hued marble in green, black, pink white, yellow and blue. Where it is exposed there is polychromatic brickwork. The floor is of tessellated paving in geometrical designs with the traditional Byzantium symbol the double eagle in the center. The windows are all of acid etched glass in various floral designs. The richly carved 03 tiered iconostasis (a screen of icons) is also designed by Oldrid. This beautiful piece is made of walnut panels inlaid with rare woods and mother of pearl. The crypt runs beneath the eastern portion of the Cathedral and the space beneath the Sanctuary houses a small museum showcasing vestments, books and treasures donated to the Cathedral by 19 century patrons. The re-sited foundation stone is also displayed here. A rotating exhibition of materials from the Greek community in London dating back to the 18th century is also on display.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
