Istanbul, which has hosted different civilizations since past centuries…. This city, where different religions and cultures are fused, draws attention with its historical richness.
In Istanbul, the cradle of different civilizations, there are places of worship that are a reflection of the religious life of these civilizations. In this context, Istanbul, the cradle of civilizations, hosts many different churches that allow you to take a journey through history.
Istanbul churches, which are used as the churches of civilizations meeting at a common point in line with a certain belief, manage to impress those who see it with their magnificent structures. These churches, which are characterized by different names such as the Armenian Church , the Greek Church, and the Orthodox Church, enable you to increase your cultural richness.
Here are the churches, which are almost like historical monuments , that the beautiful city of Istanbul contains …
1) Hagia Irene Church
The Hagia Irene Church, which has managed to survive since the Byzantine period, manages to stand out thanks to a number of features it has.
One of the features that make Hagia Irene Church stand out; It has undergone very little change and its historical texture is preserved. The fact that the courtyard of the Hagia Irene Church has survived to the present day without any damage adds a special identity to the church.
The church, which is a part of Topkapi Palace , has a magnificent appearance with the “big cross” on the gilded mosaic.
Hagia Irene Church, which fascinates those who see it with its aesthetic value and historical texture, is always attracting attention from local and foreign tourists as it has the status of a museum.
Hagia Irene Church History
Hagia Irene Church, which was used as the first church of the Byzantine period , regains its original identity after a number of events.
The church, which was destroyed by a fire in 532, was made functional again in 548 by the help of the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian.
Hagia Irene Church, which has been used as a museum and a weapon storage throughout history, is located in the courtyard of the palace.
Where is Hagia Irene Church?
Hagia Irene Church, which has the status of a museum and is open to visitors, is located in the “Sultanahmet” district of Istanbul’s Fatih district .
Hagia Irene Church, located in the first courtyard of Topkapi Palace, near Sultanahmet Square, also hosts cultural events.
How to Go to Hagia Irene Church?
You can go to Hagia Irene Church, located in the first courtyard of Topkapi Palace, by choosing different transportation options.
If you wish, you can reach the church via the Bağcılar-Kabataş tram line. At the same time, it is possible to reach Hagia Irene Church by buses and minibuses that run to the Sultanahmet stop.
It is possible to reach the Hagia Eirene Church from Eminönü by city line ferries.
2) Sveti Stefan Bulgarian Church
Another magnificent church that adorns Istanbul’s silhouette is the Sveti Stefan Bulgarian Church. Sveti Stefan Bulgarian Church, located at a bird’s-eye view of the Golden Horn , is among the churches that have aesthetic value with its exterior decorations.
The Bulgarian Church, which continued to be used as a place of worship after the restoration process, stands out as a prefabricated structure that was completed within a month.
History of Sveti Stefan Bulgarian Church
Sveti Stefan Bulgarian Church used to be a residence of Prince Stefan Bogoridi before 1898.
The Bulgarian Church, which gained its original identity in 1898, is consecrated on October 9, 1849.
The Bulgarian Church, which was rebuilt from iron after the fire process, was opened in 1898 and brought to Istanbul.
Where is Sveti Stefan Bulgarian Church?
Sveti Stefan Church, known as the Bulgarian Church , is located in the Balat district of Istanbul’s Fatih district.
It is possible to visit the Sveti Stefan Bulgarian Church, which is open every day of the week except for public holidays, between 09.00-17.00.
How to Get to Sveti Stefan Blulgar Church
It is possible to reach the Sveti Stefan Church, which is located in the center of Istanbul, by various means of transportation.
After reaching the European Side, you can go to Fatih, Haliç and Balat districts, then after a short walk, you can reach the Bulgarian Church.
3) Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church
One of the symbolic structures of Istanbul is the Hagia Triada Church, also known as the Orthodox Church .
The Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church, which has a unique feature with its remarkable architecture and the garden it contains, also stands out with its reflection of Byzantine architecture.
It is one of the must-see places with its elegant dome, details reflecting the neogothic and neoclassical movements, and its fascinating view .
History of Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church
The Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church takes its name from the “holy trinity” in the Greek language.
The Hagia Triada Church, which differs from other churches with its elegant dome reflecting Byzantine architecture, was built by Potessero .
The construction of the church, which was opened for worship on September 14, 1880, was completed by Vassilaki Ioannidis.
Where is Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church?
Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church is located at the intersection of Beyoğlu’s famous Istiklal and Sıraselviler streets.
It is possible to enter the Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church, which is currently open to visitors, between 16.00-17.00 on weekdays.
There is no charge to enter the church.
How to Get to Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church?
You can reach the Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church by using public transportation. If you wish, you can choose the metro M2 line or the Marmaray line.
It is possible to reach the Aya Triada Greek Orthodox Church by buses and minibuses that run to Taksim.
4) Aya Yorgi Church
One of the most beautiful churches you can visit in Istanbul is Aya Yorgi Church. Aya Yorgi Church, which is frequently visited by local and foreign tourists, has an astonishing view and a deep-rooted history.
Aya Yorgi Church, which hosts various legends, can be visited until 16.00 during the week.
Aya Yorgi Church is also frequently visited by visitors who want to make a wish, without having to pay any fee at the entrance.
History of Aya Yorgi Church
The construction date of the Hagia Yorgi Church, which has hosted various legends since the Byzantine period , dates back to 1905.
Aya Yorgi Church, which has been open for use since 1909, is considered a “pilgrimage point” by Christians.
Aya Yorgi Church, which is considered as a pilgrimage spot as well as the House of Virgin Mary , is faced with a great deal of attention, especially on April 23 and September 24.
Where is Aya Yorgi Church?
Aya Yorgi Church is located on Büyükada, one of the islands of Istanbul.
After reaching Büyükada, it is possible to reach Aya Yorgi Church by traveling a certain distance.
How to Go to Aya Yorgi Church?
To go to Aya Yorgi Church, you can take the motorboats or ferries from the piers at certain points of the city. Then you can get on electric vehicles or choose the bicycle option in the island.
If you wish, you can also reach Aya Yorgi Church on foot.
5) Church of the Virgin Mary
Balat, one of the districts of Istanbul that has witnessed history, has unique structures.
One of the places to visit in Balat is the Virgin Mary Church.
The Church of the Virgin Mary, which hosts a sad story, also draws attention with the fact that it is protected by the edict of Fatih Sultan Mehmet.
History of the Virgin Mary Church
The Church of the Virgin Mary, also known as the Bloody Church , stands out as a church from the Byzantine period.
After the conquest of Istanbul, the domed churches in the city are turned into mosques. But the Virgin Mary Church is not affected by this situation. The edict given by Fatih Sultan Mehmet is effective in the protection of the Virgin Mary Church.
The Bloody Church, which managed to make its name known in the Ottoman period, is described as “Bloody” due to some looting events in Istanbul.
Where is Virgin Mary Church?
The Church of the Virgin Mary, known as the Bloody Church, is located in the Balat district of Istanbul.
It is possible to reach the Bloody Church, which is located at a very ideal point in terms of location, by different means of transportation.
How To Get To The Virgin Mary Church?
You need to reach the Balat district of Istanbul to go to the Church of the Virgin Mary, which has managed to be remembered with historical events from the Ottoman Empire .
After reaching the town of Balat, you can reach the Virgin Mary Church by walking a short distance.
