Much of Byzantine architecture was commissioned by the famous Roman Emperor Justinian.

Here are some of the most common characteristics of the style.

This characteristic is the perfect example of how advanced structural knowledge influenced the style.

Examples of Byzantine Architecture

Left to right: Hagia Sophia, Hagia Sophia interior, St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Basilica Interior, Basilica of Sant’apollinare Nuovo Interior, Hosios Loukas, Hosios Loukas Details, Basilica Cistern

Themosaicsmost often feature religious stories and events surrounded by smaller pattern work.

This differs from other places of worship which were cruciform but not as symmetrical.

This building embodies the intricate detailing and drama of the architectural style.

Elevated Domes in Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Repina Valeriya/Shutterstock)

The Hagia Sophias dome is clearly heightened with a stunning result on both the interior and exterior.

The interior is also famous for the gold detailing throughout the interior and in the domes.

Marks Basilica, is a unique piece of Byzantine architecture.

Byzantine Mosaics

Byzantine Mosaic in Ravenna, Italy (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Inguaribile Vlaggiatore/Shutterstock)

It is an example of Italo-Byzantine designan Italian interpretation of the architectural aesthetic.

Located near Piazza San Marco, the cathedral is highly influenced by the Hagia Sophia.

Some artifacts in the church actually came directly from the Hagia Sophia after the Fourth Crusade.

Hagia Sophia, a famous example of Byzantine architecture

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey (Photo:Stock Photosfrom AlexAnton/Shutterstock)

It was built as Theodoric the Greats chapel.

In 561 AD Emporer Junstinian I changed the name to Sanctus Martinus in Coelo Aureo.

Still, the church includes examples of many art styles that reflect its long and complicated history.

Hagia Sophia, a famous example of Byzantine architecture

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Artur Bogacki/Shutterstock)

Hosios Loukas is connected to a larger church of Katholikon which is the earliest existing domed octagon church.

One of the most impressive features of the church is the colorful interior mosaics.

TheBasilica Cisternis a large cistern under Istanbul.

St. Mark’s Basilica, a famous example of Byzantine architecture

St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy (Photo:Stock Photosfrom DILOCOM/Shutterstock)

Like many other Byzantine works, it was constructed during the reign of Justinian I.

An iconic design feature in the Basilica Cistern is the column bases featuring the form of Medusa.

Either way, the functional sculpture certainly adds some signature drama to this Byzantine work.

St. Mark’s Basilica, a famous example of Byzantine architecture

St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Zdenek Matyas Photography/Shutterstock)

Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Turkey (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Volodymyr Goinyk/Shutterstock)

Basilica of Sant’apollinare Nuovo, a famous example of Byzantine architecture

Basilica of Sant’apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Sergey Dzyuba/Shutterstock)

Basilica of Sant’apollinare Nuovo, a famous example of Byzantine architecture

Basilica of Sant’apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Alvaro German Vilela/Shutterstock)

Hosios Loukas, a famous example of Byzantine architecture

Hosios Loukas in Distomo, Greece (Photo:Stock Photosfrom yiannisscheidt/Shutterstock)

Hosios Loukas, a famous example of Byzantine architecture

Hosios Loukas in Distomo, Greece (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Joaquin Ossorio Castillo/Shutterstock)

Basilica Cistern, a famous example of Byzantine architecture

Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Turkey (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Sergey Dzyuba/Shutterstock)

Basilica Cistern, a famous example of Byzantine architecture

Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Turkey (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Volodymyr Goinyk/Shutterstock)