Kariye Mosque
Mosque · Avcibey ·

Kariye Mosque

Mosque · Avcibey ·

Outstanding Byzantine mosaics and frescoes depicting biblical scenes

Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null

Information

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

Information

Static Map

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

kulturportali.gov.tr
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@diyanetbasin

Features

restroom
wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible restroom
wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Nov 21, 2025

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@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

"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."

If you only have three days in istanbul
Kariye Mosque
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

"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."

The Best Things to Do in Istanbul
Kariye Mosque
@ricksteves
692 Postcards · 216 Cities

Istanbul Travel Guide by Rick Steves

"▲▲  Modest church outside the Old Town with some of the best Byzantine mosaics in captivity." - Rick Steves' Europe

https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/turkey/istanbul
Kariye Mosque

Paul W.

Google
A truly amazing collection of mosaics. The mosque is in a much quieter part of Istanbul, easily reach by bus-- don't forget your transit card! While you're in the area, be sure to check out the ancient Roman walls nearby, still in good condition. They give you an idea of the Size of Istanbul 1500 years ago. And Constantine's column and Faith Mosque are on the way.

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.

Bryan S.

Google
This mosque/museum of an ancient church was just lovely. I’m so glad they preserved the mosaics. They are some of the best I’ve seen anywhere. It is definitely worth the expense. There are some peaceful cafes across from it and it is only a few blocks from the old city walls, too.

David L.

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

Abu A.

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.

Tom (.

Google
A fascinating example of Byzantine church and art. Gives you more of an idea of what the interior of Hagia Sophia would have been like, beyond what parts remained. Mostly 11th and 13th century.

Oz

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.

mila B.

Google
Some of the best preserved eastern orthodox icons and mosaics are there,surreal place..the first church was built there before the Konstantinopol walls,it is painted much later, in fourteenth century,beautiful place♥️