Churches and Byzantine Sites to Visit in Turkey

Istanbul was Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire for more than a thousand years, and its old churches hold some of the greatest Christian art in the world. Many are now mosques. This chapter begins with the Chora Church, whose late Byzantine mosaics and frescoes are still on view to visitors.

The brick and stone walls and domes of the Chora Church in Istanbul — The Chora Church, now Kariye Mosque — where this guide to Turkey begins. Photograph by cnrdmroglu on Pexels.

Churches that are now mosques close to tourists at prayer times, some all day on Fridays, and ask women to cover their hair.

Where to start

Chora Church (Kariye Mosque)

Among the finest late Byzantine mosaics and frescoes anywhere, including the Anastasis. €20 for foreign visitors.

Istanbul

Practical notes

At a glance
Mosques	Former churches now used as mosques close to visitors at prayer times
Dress	Women cover their hair; no shorts; shoes off on carpets
Getting around	Istanbul’s trams, Metrobus and ferries reach most sites

Coming next

Hagia Sophia, Hagia Irene and the cave churches of Cappadocia are the obvious next additions.