Kariye Mosque

Mosque · Avcibey ·

Kariye Mosque

Mosque · Avcibey ·

Outstanding Byzantine mosaics and frescos of Christ and Mary

Information

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

@afar

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"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

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The Best Things to Do in Istanbul

Kariye Mosque

@ricksteves

706 Postcards · 220 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

Vlad P.

Google

Overrated place, price wise, 20€ for ticket and 2€ for a "head scarf" one time used. Easy money making machine, so called tourist attraction, has to be called fooling tourists attraction. As of the church/mosque nice and carefully restored and preserved, iconic mosaic nicely exposed, but not so many information about the exhibition, no any guide, even no audio guide included in price. The only "good" thing is that turkish citizens are not paying for entry tickets. It's a once in lifetime visit site and never ever again.

Aneesha K.

Google

Kariye Mosque in Istanbul is an absolute masterpiece and a place that leaves a lasting impression. From the moment you step inside, you can feel the depth of history, culture, and spiritual presence all coming together in one remarkable space. The architecture is refined and elegant. The mosaics and artwork are breathtaking and preserved with great care. Every detail reflects centuries of craftsmanship and vision. The atmosphere is calm and deeply respectful. It allows visitors to pause, reflect, and truly absorb the significance of the site. The balance between historical heritage and its role as a mosque is managed with clarity and dignity. The surrounding area is peaceful and well maintained, making the entire visit feel thoughtful and well structured. This is not just a place to see. It is a place to experience. A visit to Kariye Mosque adds real value to any Istanbul journey and stands out as a symbol of timeless beauty and cultural excellence.

Özgür Y.

Google

One of the best hidden gems in İstanbul. May not be as popular as Hagia Sophia, but must certainly seen. I missed for more than 40 years as a local and amazed yesterday. Have a sip of tea at the tea house with a view of the amazing monument.

Mustafa Serdar K.

Google

This is where you can find some of the best Byzantine mosaics in Turkey, though frankly speaking, the fees for foreigners are certainly a but demanding. It is a bit out of the way compared to most other more popular tourist attractions, but if you are fine paying the fee (or are a Turkish citizen) you should put in the extra effort to see all these excellent mosaics with your own eyes.

Seyyid P.

Google

Amazing place which used to be a church and is a mosque now. I visited it twice during my visit. It is free for Turkish citizens and foreigners who hold residence card here but it costs 20 euros for foreign tourists. You need to show your Turkish ID or residence card by entrance. There are toilets available which cost 20 lira and an ablution area.

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

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.

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.