Churches in Istanbul

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What survives from Constantinople, and what still holds services

Istanbul's churches are what remains of Constantinople. Several are now mosques or museums, and the Chora's mosaics are the finest Byzantine work still standing anywhere.

Here is the list of 4 Churches in Istanbul

1. Bulgarian St.Stephen Church

Bulgarian St.Stephen Church
4.2 /5

Bulgarian St.Stephen Church or Bulgarian Iron Church is an Orthodox Church in Balat belonging to the Bulgarian minority community in the area. This is one of the least visited churches in Istanbul. It was constructed during the 19th century following a Bulgarian nationalist movement. It was closed in 2011 and reopened to the public in 2018 after a large-scale renovation. Showcasing both neo-Byzantine and neo-Baroque architectural influences, the building is made up of cast iron.

2. St.George's Cathedral Istanbul

St.George's Cathedral Istanbul
3.9 /5

St.George's Cathedral is an Eastern Orthodox church situated in Fener in the Fatih district of Istanbul. Commonly known as Patriarchal Church of the Great Myrrh, it was constructed as a dedication to the Christian martyr, Saint George. It has been the seat of Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople since 1600 and though it is a relatively smaller church, it is in no way lacking beauty and grandeur. The interior of the church house a fragment of the Pillar of the Flagellation.

3. St Anthony of Padua Church

St Anthony of Padua Church
3.5 /5

Sent Antuan Kilisesi or St. Anthony of Padua Church is a basilica and church located in the Beyoğlu district. It is the largest Roman Catholic church in Istanbul and one of the three Levantine parishes in the area. It is famous for its unique architecture, which includes a gilded wooden statue of St. Anthony by Luigi Bresciani and mosaics depicting the Baptism of the Lord.

4. Pammakaristos Church

Pammakaristos Church
3.9 /5

Pammakaristos Church, also known as the Church of Theotokos Pammakaristos, is a well-known Byzantine church and museum located in the Carsamba town of Fatih district. It houses the third-largest Byzantine mosaics in Istanbul after Hagia Sophia and Chora Church which visitors can see along with Constantinople's Palaiologan architecture.

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The Byzantine layer is easy to miss under the Ottoman one. Museums in Istanbul covers what is displayed indoors, and palaces in Turkey the Ottoman sites.

This post was published by Anchal Jain

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FAQs on Churches in Istanbul

Which church should I visit in Istanbul?

The Chora, out at Edirnekapi, for the fourteenth-century mosaics and frescoes, which are the best surviving Byzantine work anywhere. Hagia Sophia is the other essential, though it now functions as a mosque.

Can I visit Hagia Sophia?

Yes. It reverted to a working mosque in 2020, so visitors enter outside prayer times, remove shoes and dress modestly, and women cover their hair. Some areas are curtained during prayers.

Are there still working churches?

Yes. The Ecumenical Patriarchate at Fener is the seat of the Orthodox church, and there are active Armenian, Greek and Catholic parishes across Beyoglu and Kumkapi. Most welcome quiet visitors.

What should I wear?

Modest dress, and at Hagia Sophia and any church now serving as a mosque, covered shoulders and legs, shoes off, and a headscarf for women. Scarves are available at the door.

How do I reach the Chora?

It is out by the old land walls at Edirnekapi, about half an hour from Sultanahmet by bus or taxi. It has been closed for restoration at various points, so check it is open before making the trip.

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