The South Gallery of Ayasofya is renowned for its remarkably well-preserved mosaics, which historians date to the IX-XII centuries. The most famous among them is the Deesis - an изображение of Christ with the Mother of God and John the Baptist. Besides the fact that this mosaic is considered one of the most beautiful in the cathedral, tourists also like to "play a staring contest" with it. It is believed that no matter from which part of the south gallery you look at Jesus Christ, you will обязательно meet his gaze. A similar "following" effect is also known from Leonardo da Vinci's famous Gioconda.
Also of interest and high cultural value is the mosaic depicting the Virgin and Child, which can be found on the eastern wall of the cathedral, to the right of the window. Next to them are depictions of Emperor John II Komnenos and his wife Irene, and on the adjoining wall - their son, Alexios. It is believed that this mosaic was created at the beginning of the XII century.
To the left of the window is an XI-century изображение showing Empress Zoe and her husband - Constantine IX Monomachos - bowing before Christ.
