Greek Orthodox Monastery of St George Koudounas

Ayayorgi Monastery – A Heavenly Climb Above the Sea Reaching Ayayorgi Manastırı on Büyükada is a journey in itself — one that begins with the gentle waves of the Bosphorus. From Kabataş, the ferry glides across the sparkling sea, your İstanbulkart opening the way to another world. When you arrive at the island, a local bus (again with your trusty İstanbulkart) takes you up towards Lunapark — the last stop before the climb. From there, the real adventure begins: a 20-minute walk uphill, where every step feels like a pilgrimage. The path is steep but sacred — after all, God’s path is always uphill. The air grows quieter, the sounds of the city fade, and all that remains is the whisper of the wind through the pine trees and the distant shimmer of the Marmara Sea. When you finally reach the top, the fatigue melts away. The view is breathtaking — the sea stretching endlessly, the sun dipping low and painting the sky in shades of gold and rose. Nature here feels untouched, almost divine. The monastery stands peacefully, watching over the island like an old guardian, while below, the waves gently embrace Büyükada’s shores. It’s not just a place — it’s a feeling. The beauty, the silence, the climb — all remind you that the most beautiful views always come after the hardest paths.

Amazing place to visit for those who enjoys a long walk up in the hill with super picturesque views. Church was already closed when we reached ( closing 4pm) but the view was worth it all the way! Definitely place to explore while being in Princess Islands. On the was back we took mini bus and it was quick ride to reach back to port. Left with loads of beautiful pics and few thousands of steps tracked by the phone 😅 Leaving few pics here to give you a motivation for a climb 😁🙌

Super tough climb but worth! Amazing experience, Holly place,and view around Monastery. Deffinitly recommending to go,just dont take bike,as it is not possibče to climb.

Beautiful place worth all the effort to get there. You will experience a fantastic view of the Marmara sea. The monastery is also very beautiful, well decorated inside!

The church is on a summit in the big island “buyukadad” , which is a bit hard to reach specially in summer weather as the road goes uphill and there’s no way other than walking. But it also provides you so many beautiful scenes and when you go up high enough you can see parts of Istanbul across the sea which is breathtaking. Inside the church is so quiet, relaxing and charming. The building is not that big. In the end it is worth experiencing this whole combination of nature, history and religion.

I’m in good shape and healthy, but it still took me about 20 minutes of walking uphill, with a couple of stops along the way to catch my breath. If you’re not in great shape or need mobility assistance, this climb could be really tough. That being said, the hike is absolutely worth it! The view from the top is stunning, and the cute little church is a must-see. Plus, it’s free, which makes it even better. Highly recommended when you’re on the island! P.S. The church closes at 16:00, so make sure to get there before it closes. Also, if you’re taking the island buses, keep in mind that each way costs about 65TL. On the way back to the island center, there aren’t any ticket machines to recharge your transport card, so make sure you’ve got enough money on it for both directions. And don’t forget to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat for the road!

The Aya Yorgi Church is located on Büyükada Island in Istanbul, Turkey. It is a notable landmark that offers a glimpse into the region's history and culture The church provides a serene atmosphere, making it a place for reflection and appreciation of historical significance. Visitors can learn about its history. Understand the church's role in the local community and its cultural significance. The church's architecture reflects its rich history, with elements that showcase its importance in the region. Although specific details about its design might be limited, its presence on the island adds to the area's cultural heritage. Tips Respect the site: Be mindful of any rules or restrictions when visiting. Take photos: Although a photo graph is not allowed at some parts, you can capture the church's architecture and the surrounding scenery.

If you are coming up here, don't bring a bicycle. In general, renting a bike on this island is a bad idea. It's difficult to get up here on foot, especially if you're not physically fit. It took me about 15 minutes to get up here, considering my high level of fitness. The church looks nice, I didn't go inside. There's a restaurant nearby. This is the highest point on the island, so the views from here are amazing. Don't be afraid to walk towards the mountain with the observatory, where you can sit on the rocks and admire the views of the sea, neighboring islands and Istanbul. After enjoying the views, I took the hiking trail and walked around the mountain with this church. When you get to the observatory, don't turn onto the trail leading up to it, or you'll have to wade through the thicket along the fence.