Kariye Mosque (Chora Church)

The Kariye Mosque, once the church of the Chora monastery, stands near Edirnekapı and the old city walls in Istanbul's Fatih district. It holds some of the best-preserved Byzantine mosaics and frescoes anywhere.

History of the Kariye

The interior dates from the early 14th century, when the Byzantine statesman Theodore Metochites had the church redecorated. It became a mosque in the early 16th century and a museum in 1945. In 2020 it was made a mosque again and reopened to visitors in 2024 after a long restoration.

What to see inside

Gold mosaics in the narthexes show scenes from the lives of Christ and the Virgin. The frescoes of the side chapel, especially the Anastasis, are among the most famous works of Byzantine painting.

Tips for visiting

• It is about 5 km from Sultanahmet; take a taxi or bus.
• Visits pause at prayer times.
• The Theodosian Walls and the Edirnekapı neighbourhood are close by.