Byzantine Churches of Istanbul

What to Expect

'What do the ancient walls whisper' - traveling through the shell of modernity to the roots of our era

• You will visit the ancient Church of St. Mary of the Mongols, the only one that managed to avoid being converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. We will also talk about the period of iconoclasm and the significant role the monastery played in the events of that time.
• Next, discover the Greek (Constantinopolitan) Patriarchate with important Christian relics, including a part of the column to which, it is believed, Jesus Christ was chained during the tortures before the crucifixion, as well as the relics of St. John Chrysostom and Gregory the Theologian. Here, you will admire the splendid mosaic icon of the Most Holy Theotokos brought from Jerusalem by Queen Helena. And perhaps you will see the current Ecumenical Patriarch of New Rome and Constantinople - Bartholomew I.
• At the Church of St. Mary Kyriotissa, you will learn about its eventful history, from endless transformations to restorations and its conversion into the Kalenderhane Mosque. We will focus on rare frescoes and explore the history of the unique Byzantine art of golden mosaics nearby.
• Also included is a visit to the Church of the Virgin of the Pharos, where the miracle of the Protection occurred, celebrated with one of the most revered Orthodox holidays - the Protection of the Mother of God. You will also learn about the period of iconoclasm and the notable role the monastery played during those pivotal events.
• Lastly, we will visit the Chora Museum or Monastery of the Holy Savior in Chora, the best-preserved example of a Byzantine church in Istanbul, housing the largest collection of wall frescoes. Here, we will continue our discussion on the technique that has become a masterpiece of world art treasures.

Interesting Stops Along the Way
You will admire the grand structures of Antiquity - the Valens Aqueduct, enjoy the panoramas of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus Strait. I will also introduce you to the oldest and most prestigious Greek Orthodox school in the city - the Great School of the Nation Lyceum. Additionally, we will uncover the hidden corners of the most popular district among bloggers in Istanbul - Balat, where most of the churches you will visit on the tour are located. Upon request, I can include a visit to the active Russian Orthodox church in the program.