Chora Church: A Treasure of Byzantine Art in Istanbul

Name: Chora Church
Address: 18, İstanbul, 34087, TR
Rating: 4.4

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Chora Church: A Treasure of Byzantine Art in Istanbul

Overview

Chora Church, originally founded as the Church of the Holy Savior Outside the Walls in the 4th century, holds a monumental place in Istanbul’s historical landscape. The term 'Chora' translates to 'in the country,' reflecting its early location outside the ancient city limits. With its first major reconstruction occurring under Emperor Theodosius II in 413, this revered site later transitioned into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest, before becoming the beautiful church we see today. The current structure, primarily built in the 11th century, features extraordinary murals from 1320 that intrigue art lovers and historians alike. These breathtaking artworks adorn the walls and domes, illustrating scenes from the life of Jesus, Mary, and significant Biblical narratives. As a museum, Chora Church offers visitors a captivating glimpse into its religious and artistic heritage, making it a must-see destination in Istanbul.

Reviews

Lena Yilmaz

South Africa

I previously tried to visit this historic Orthodox church during my trip to Istanbul in 2022, but it was closed for renovations. I was thrilled to finally explore it in July 2024. The mosaics and frescoes were breathtaking. Entry was free, but standard mosque etiquette applied, meaning women must cover up. Inside, a guide approached me about providing insights into the artworks for TL400. This experience was enlightening and definitely worth the expense. The church wasn't overcrowded and was conveniently located near major tourist spots, accessible via the local bus.

Roman Demir

Turkey

Originally built as the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora during the Byzantine period, likely in the early 5th century, it was expanded in the 11th century under the Byzantine Emperor's patronage. Kariye Mosque is renowned for its well-preserved mosaics and frescoes depicting biblical scenes, including the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. These artworks are considered some of the finest examples of Byzantine art. After 1453, it was maintained as a mosque, converted to a museum during Ataturk’s modern Turkey until 2020, and then reverted back into a mosque, yet is very well preserved.

Jin Soo Park

South Korea

Currently, there is no entrance fee, but I suspect they will start charging in the future. The gate opens promptly at 9 a.m., and the entrance is located on the side of the mosque. The guards were friendly, although their English was somewhat limited. The mosque itself is small; the interior paintings are stunning, and you can spend time appreciating every detail. Flash photography is not allowed, however. The main hall is designated for prayer only, so be aware that it closes for an extended period during Friday prayers.

George Kazan

Greece

You can admire the exterior for free, which is a plus, but they charge 20 Euros to enter. I’m not quite sure why, as it feels like a price you'd find in Western Europe, which seems excessive since this is an active religious mosque. It should either be free or perhaps around €5 as a token donation. Charging 20€ feels quite steep in Turkey.

Thomas Smith

United States

The entrance fee has risen from free to over 20 US dollars, yet there are few places in the world where you can see Byzantine mosaics as exquisite as these. Perhaps Ravenna compares. Although the church is now a mosque, be mindful of prayer times. Fortunately, there's a lovely cafe nearby if you have to wait.