With a diameter of 33 m and an apex at a height of 56m, the dome is of monumental proportions. Yet it does not appear oppressive but instead seems to float 'as though suspended from heaven on the fabled golden chain' (Prokopios). The pierced inner walls and slender marble columns only play a secondary role in terms of strength and stability. As the viewer's eye roves upwards, searching for details, it soon becomes lost in the sea of lights, where all references of scale fade away.