Istanbul has hosted many different religions and cultures throughout the centuries. Istanbul churches are one of the most important historical monuments of Istanbul in terms of both their architectural structures and the values they represent.
Top 7 must-see churches of Istanbul
Hagia Sophia Hagia Sophia basilica is the most daring, most fascinating structure of all time. It is not only the greatest work of Byzantine or Eastern Roman art, but also the most magnificent structure in the history of architecture in terms of its height and diameter. With some repairs, it has been standing in its original shape for 1477 years.
Hagia Sophia, which first opened its way to worship in 360, was affected very badly by Latin invasion between 1204-1261. They plundered the sacred relics and treasures within the Catholic Crusaders. When the Byzantines took the city back, they restored this common heritage of humanity. After the conquest of Istanbul, Fatih gave the name Ayasofya Mosque-i Kebiri.
No Christian work has been observed by the Ottomans as far as Hagia Sophia. Faced with many devastations such as fire and earthquake, the museum has survived to the present day.
Hagia Sophia served as a mosque until 1932. He then underwent a minor restoration, revealing the mosaics. In 1935 it was opened to the public as a museum.
Where is Hagia Sophia?
Hagia Sophia is located in the Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul.
How to get to Hagia Sophia?
The Hagia Sophia is located in Sultanahmet Square. The T1 Tram Line has a stop at Sultanahmet. If your hotel is situated in the old-town area, you can simply take the tram to Sultanahmet. Otherwise, you can take some other public transportation vehicle to connect with the T1 Tram Line and continue to Sultanahmet.
How much is the Hagia Sophia entrance fee?
Hagia Sophia Museum Entrance Fee: 60 TL. Approximately 11 $, 9 €
When to visit the Hagia Sophia?
Hagia Sophia Museum visiting hours of winter schedule are 09:00-17:00 with the last entrance time of 16:00.
Ayios Yeoryios Patriarchate Church Important for Orthodox
After the conquest of Istanbul by the Ottomans, the Orthodox Patriarchate was constantly displaced. First, the Patriarchate moved to the second largest church of the city, Havariyun Church, then to the Pammakaristos Monastery in Zeyrek, to the Church of Vlah Palace in Fener, and to the Dimitrios Church in Ayvansaray. The Patriarchate was last settled in 1599 in Ayios Yeoryios Monastery.
The Ayios Yeoryios Patriarchate Church in Fener is located in a large courtyard surrounded by high walls. In this courtyard, there is also the building of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, the library, Hagios Charalambous, and the building where the sacred oil called ası myrrh K is used in the ceremonies of the Greek Orthodox churches. The patriarch's throne with inlaid psoriasis in the church is considered to be the pinnacle of the Greek carpentry art. The icons of John the Baptist are very important for the Orthodox.
Where is Ayios Yeoryios Patriarch Church?
The Fener Greek Patriarchate is located in the district of Fener in the Fatih district in Istanbul.
Church of Saint Pierre and Paul Temple of the Dominican
The Church of St. Pierre and Paul is at the foot of the Galata Tower in Galata. Also known as San Pietro and Paulo Church (Santi Pietro and Paulo). When the Dominicans came to Istanbul at the beginning of the 13th century, they were taken to the Saint Pierre Church for a time when they were removed from the monastery (today's Arab Mosque).
In 1603 they built a church that was later burned. In 1841-43, instead of burning church again, the famous architect Gaspare Fossati built the church today. The structure of the religious sect is made in accordance with the conception of worship.
Where is Church of Saint Pierre and Paul?
St.Pierre Church is located at the bottom of Galata Tower in Karaköy district.
Saint Esprit Church The church where the Pope attended the ritual, St. Esprit Church.
"The most important structure of the Latin community “
Saint Esprit Church, which is the most important structure of the Latin community in Istanbul, is located in the courtyard of Notre Dame de Sion French Girls' High School in Harbiye. Pope XV in the same courtyard. A memorial dedicated to Benedictus rises. The church and its annex buildings were built in 1846 by Giuseppe Fossati, who restored the Hagia Sophia together with his brother, the older brother Gaspare Fossati, and in 1876 became the cathedral. In the 1865 earthquake, the building was seriously damaged.
Three-nave, rectangular basilica-shaped structure is covered with a crib roof. The two columns at the main entrance of the church carry the gallery, which also contains the organ. With two rows of six columns, the space is divided into three. The fourth column on the right has a sermon seat. The nave on the right is dedicated to Saint Nicholas the Sixth, and the Baptistery is located here. The altar section is extremely spectacular.
It was built in the middle of the 19th century with features close to the baroque style. It is the cathedral of the Latin Catholic Diocese in Istanbul. the haunt of the pope, who visited Turkey with these qualities and rituals stands out from others with the distinction of being directed by the church.
Pope XVI. A very large copy of the medallion prepared for Benedictus' visit to Istanbul was placed on a souvenir plate. There is also a cellar with remarkable graves, including the tomb of the Italian Giuseppe Donizetti Pasha. In the garden is the Pope XV. Statue of Benedictus.
Where is Saint Esprit Church?
Saint Esprit Church is a church located in the courtyard of Notre Dame de Sion French High School on Cumhuriyet Street in Şişli district in Istanbul.
Surp Hovhan Vosgeperan The largest Armenian church
Surp Hovhan Vosgeperan The Armenian Catholic Church is just behind the French Consulate in Taksim. This church, which belongs to the Catholic Armenian community, was built between 1860-63. Its construction was started by the architect Garabed Tülbentçiyan and was completed by his church brother Andon.
The center-planned and octagonal top-covered structure offers a monumental interior with a capacity of close to 1000 people. There are many religious and decorative figures and motifs on both the inner surfaces of the top cover and the paintings on the altar. It is the largest Armenian church in Istanbul. 1979 Pope John Paul II came to Turkey in November. Iohannes Paulus visited this church. In the church, a marble slab is suspended.
Where is Surp Hovhan Vosgeperan?
Vosgeperan Holy Church, the Armenian Catholic Church located in the Beyoglu district in Istanbul.
Saint Antoine Latin Catholic Church Saint Antoine Latin Catholic Church on Istiklal Avenue is one of the city's most popular Catholic churches due to its location, size and visual impact. It is possible to observe that the church, which is not part of the Catholic faith, flocked throughout the day.
It was built between 1906-1913. His architect is Giulio Mongeri, who works with engineer Edoardo de Nari on many projects like this. While the building was being designed, the income generating feature of the Istiklal Street facade was evaluated for the church foundation and the building of worship was taken from the street and a glorious apartment block was placed on the front side. In this way, a small square was given to Beyoğlu. Pope XXIII in the garden. There is a statue of Iohannes.
Where is Saint Antoine Latin Catholic Church?
St. The Catholic Church of Antioch is the largest and the most extensive Catholic Church in Istanbul. It is located on the left side from Galatasaray to Tunel on the Istiklal Street in Beyoglu.
Church of Panagia Muhliotissa Open since Byzantine
It is known that the Church of Panayia Muhliotissa, which is much higher than the Patriarchate on the hillside overlooking the Golden Horn and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, has been active since the 13th century. The structure of the structure of the clover-shaped structure with a small-sized domed structure is much older.
It was also associated with the Mongol army in connection with the fact that a lady, Maria Palaiologina, of the Byzantine empire family, departed to marry the Mongol Khan Hülagu, and after many years devoted herself to religion by returning to Istanbul. The Church of Panayia Muhliotissa was built as a Byzantine church before the conquest, and it is still the only structure that is still open to worship by maintaining the same function.
Where is Church of Panagia Muhliotissa?
Located in Fener district of Fatih in Istanbul.
