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Principal Eastern Orthodox Cathedral in Istanbul, with religious relics, mosaics & public hours.
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Reviews — 8
A peaceful place with beautiful artwork. This was a good opportunity to pray quietly after the hustle and bustle. The relics of the three great Cappadocian saints, the 1000 year old icons, the beautiful iconostasis and the throne were all a privilege to see. And all for free when other sites in Istanbul are charging a lot of money. How humble.
It is one of the three major places visited by visitors in Balat. It is a small but old church. In fact, after the ceremony is over, they almost turn off the lights inside so that we cannot take decent photos. Although it is visually magnificent, we cannot take proper photographs.
We recently visited the church and encountered a very rude staff member in the courtyard. He gave us a disdainful look, nodded off, and then proceeded to knock on the security booth window. His disgusting attitude completely ruined our visit. I hope the authorities are aware of this staff member's behavior.
Me and my couple of friends went there on a saturday and I think they let people in certain hours. We showed up just the right time when they were admitting by chance.
I didn't know there will be some sort of ceremony on the day of our visitation, so I think of myself lucky to be able to witness it.
There was a choir, made me wanna learn Greek languange and orthodox chants.
The church is decorated the same way, like a normal orthodox chuch would be. Lots of iconography and details. It was a bit dark but could be due to the ceremony.
I didn't know there will be some sort of ceremony on the day of our visitation, so I think of myself lucky to be able to witness it.
There was a choir, made me wanna learn Greek languange and orthodox chants.
The church is decorated the same way, like a normal orthodox chuch would be. Lots of iconography and details. It was a bit dark but could be due to the ceremony.
Odd to find a church in the city but here it is. Free to get in, just pass xray table... The building itself, courtyard are not spectacular, no fancy stonework, no garden, no seating. Ordinary in every way. But do notice the contrast between church and mosque when you enter here. It's very dark, very cramped, crypts and tombs are the first thing to great you as you step in. The ornate images on the wall, gold trim, huge hanging gas lights (now electric), light images of faces and scenes of anger and pain. Nothing like the wide open, natural light, air and carpet of a mosque...mosaics, exotic colored windows, caligraphy in the sky and little kids running around, jumping on each other, laughing. A church is in the serious business of redemption, the conquest of evils brewing within the human soul...nothing here about comfort.
They welcomed us with open arms .
And the peace inside is incredible ❤
And the peace inside is incredible ❤
Very beautiful church and a very important place and part of Istanbul history, it’s really beautiful from inside and very humble architecture from outside, i think everyone should pay a visit to this church and appreciate the history of it.
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