Kariye Mosque

Mosque · Avcibey

Kariye Mosque

Mosque · Avcibey

Derviş Ali, Kariye Cami Sk. No:18, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Highlights

Stunning Byzantine mosaics and frescoes from the 14th century

Derviş Ali, Kariye Cami Sk. No:18, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye Get directions

diyanet.gov.tr

@afar

"According to Islamic tradition, only God can create images of holy beings, including angels and prophets. Therefore, when the Ottomans converted Chora Church into a mosque in the 16th century, they covered the 14th-century Byzantine mosaics and frescoes depicting the life of Christ and Mother Mary. Hidden behind wooden shutters were some of the finest mosaics in the world, which were restored following World War II and can now be viewed in all their glory."

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David Lynch

Google

Breathtaking but worth €20 for visitors, maybe not! The artwork is spectacular but you will probably spend 5-10 mins in there is you are not going to pray. They close for prayer in the evening time for an hour

Jeff

Google

I could spend hours here in the beauty of all the amazing restored mosaics and hagiography and icons - more than even at Hagia Sophia! Amazing byzantine mosaics and drawings. Amazing respect for the Orthodox faith. Respectful as it is a functioning mosque - and look up prayer times before you go - as you will be asked to leave during prayer times if not a local. Appreciate that it is kept as a place of worship and the respect between Islam and Christianity here. It was in low season for tourists and the price in person was cheaper than buying online.

Tareq Taqi

Google

Kariye Mosque (Chora Church) was one of the top places I was dying to visit during my previous trips to Turkey in 2021 and 2022, but unfortunately, it was closed for restoration at the time. I finally got to see it, and it absolutely did not disappoint. The mosaics and frescoes are breathtaking, and if you have any appreciation for Byzantine architecture and sacred art, this is a must-see. Today, the building serves as a functioning mosque during prayer times, but outside of those hours, visitors can explore designated corridors that showcase the historic artwork while keeping the prayer area separate. Entry is free for Turkish citizens and residents, just show an official ID. Tourists, on the other hand, are required to pay €20 for admission. Expensive? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely.

Google

Absolutely stunning mosaics and exterior architecture! Must visit in my opinion. Honestly, it has WOW'ed me more than any other mosque/church I've been in İstanbul. Come with binoculars if you can, it was amazing to look at the details. Make sure to scan the QR code to read about the mosaics. Plan your visit according to the prayer times, as tourists are not permitted during prayer time. The cafe behind has a nice view of the exterior.

Miss Justynka

Google

It's a small place, but it's worth visiting for the remains of the Byzantine Empire. It's really worth spending some time there, but don't expect a long tour. Literally, there is an L-shaped temple corridor with one additional branch to see. However, for the wall paintings... It's worth it! Although the ticket price is astronomical.

Arlind Sala

Google

The Kariye Mosque, originally known as the Chora Church, is one of my favorite historical sites in Istanbul. Tucked away in the Edirnekapı neighborhood, it’s not as crowded as other landmarks, but it’s incredibly rich in history and art. What I find most fascinating are the stunning Byzantine mosaics and frescoes inside, which date back to the 14th century. They depict detailed biblical scenes and are remarkably well-preserved, giving a real sense of the artistic and spiritual life of the time. Although it’s now a mosque again, its layered history as a church, museum, and mosque makes it a unique and meaningful place to visit.

can kazar

Google

One of the most important churches of the Byzantine period after Hagia Sophia, this historic building is now used as a mosque and contains unique artworks. It is closed to visitors during prayer times, but outside of those hours, it can be visited as a museum. A major attraction for tourists, it is definitely a must-see.

Lydia Zamain

Google

A must-visit historical place to go for the mosaics and frescoes! Better to come early before prayer times as it is closed for prayer. There's an entrance fee but quite cheap compared to the ones in Sultanahmet. It can be reached by public transport preferable bus (to Edernekapi) and abit of walking up the hill to the mosque. You can also passed by the Istanbul wall (another historical place to see and pass by) nearby.