In an predominant islamic world it is nice to see a christian church, built in the Bizantine period, so well restaured and mentained. It is a museum. Despite some mosaics are deteriorated here and there, it shows the interest of Turkish authorities for preserving all historic values. More

If you want to experience real istanbul go here. The venue is awesome but a bit out of the way. It's real nice inside and not as crowded as the other venues in Sultanamet. After go outside and into the main street. Walk around and you will experience real Istanbul, with local people, english is a struggle but they will... More

Located just inside the ancient walls of Istanbul this tiny church with well preserved Byzantine archecture in the Edirnekapi District 4 miles outside of the Suntamet district. The word Chora comes from "uncultivated fields" or "a virgin" so this church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Its very crowded and small so go early or late to enjoy it without... More

Visiting the Chora church was our favourite day in Istanbul. Not only was it different enough from all the other religious sites to be worth a trip on its own, but it forced us out of the comfort of the regular tourist locations. We caught a tram from Sireci and then two trains to get there which was easy enough... More

This is well worth a visit - and while a little way from Sultanahmet is easily accessible by taxi. The mosaics and frescoes tell stories from the life of Jesus and of Mary. The walls and ceilings are covered with these colourful, detailed pictures. it is useful to have a little booklet (or something similar) with all the pictures and... More

This was just about the last site we visited in our ten days in Istanbul, but it was among the most rewarding. The mosaics and frescoes are amazing. Getting to it takes initiative - we took a ferry up the Golden Horn then a taxi (10 TL) from Ayraskoy (sp.?). We caught the bus back, but more by good luck.... More

A small Byzantine church with many detailed mosaics. It's in a residential area, but easy enough to find even by public transport and a short walk. More

The church is, as just about every reviewer has said, very interesting and well worth a visit. Getting there and walking around the neighborhood is part of the fun - if you like to do things independently. At the Sultanahmet tram stop, take the T1 in the direction opposite to going to the ferry piers. Have 2 tokens for each... More

This church is difficult to get to but well worth the effort. The mosaics and frescos are outstanding. Take the tram and train and then get a taxi for the last couple of kilometers. We got ripped off by a taxi driver who was waiting outside the chuch when we left - be aware that even if a price is... More