Sainte-Sophie Aya Sofia

Above the Imperial Door of Saint Sophia. Looking west from the nave. The wall surface above the door is decorated with panels in opus-sectile (cut-work). Centrally placed at the top of the panel shows, under a ciborium and trough half opened curtains, the cross of Golgotha (Latin "Calvary") on a stepped altar. Each of the lower rectangular panels shows, flanking a trident, a pair of dolphins tied by their tails. The area under the central arch of the west gallery was reserved for the seat of the empress.