Churches in Istanbul (2024 Most Popular Churches)

The churches in Istanbul reflect the arrival of Christianity in the city and date to the 4th century. Many churches belong to different Christian branches in the city. We have gathered the most important, historical, and beautiful churches worth seeing during your trip to Istanbul. The list also includes museums that are churches. Here are the churches in Istanbul!

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Saint George’s Cathedral

St. George’s Cathedral is located in the Fener district on the shore of the Golden Horn. This is an Orthodox cathedral named after the Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious.

Churches in Istanbul: Holy Trinity Church

The Holy Trinity Church was opened in 1880 and is among the most significant functioning Orthodox religious building in present-day Istanbul. It locates at the entrance of Istiklal Street in Taksim.

Church of St. Anthony of Padua

Located on the famous Istiklal Street in Taksim, Saint Antoine Catholic Church is one of the most beautiful churches in Istanbul. Built in 1912 in an Italian neo-Gothic style, the church is also one of the largest churches in Istanbul and belongs to the most prominent Catholic community.

St. Paul Church in Karakoy

Located under the Galata Tower in Karakoy, this church was built between 1841-1843.

Bulgarian St. Stephen Church

Like many other churches in Istanbul, the Bulgarian church locates on the Golden Horn banks, near the Fener district.

Church of Vorvots Vorodman

Located in Kumkapi, this church is one of the three most famous Armenian churches. It consists of a cathedral and two chapels.

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Virgin Mary Church

The most important feature of the church is that it was never a mosque during the Ottoman Empire.

Greek Orthodox Church of Ayia Efimia

Greek Orthodox Church of Ayia Efimia locates in a small square in Kadıkoy. Legend has it that Aya Euphemia was a Christian who denied pagan gods and was tortured to death for this.

Hagia Sophia

Built in 325, Hagia Sophia is an old church and mosque, declared one of the world’s most significant architectural monuments and considered the 8th wonder of the world. Hagia Sophia is also one of the most visited attractions and museums in Istanbul and the world. On 10 July 2020, the government officially declared this building a mosque.

Hagia Irene Museum

Hagia Irene, an old church built in the 4th century and now a museum located in the 1st courtyard of the Topkapi Palace Museum, also serves as a cultural events and exhibitions center.

Edirnekapi Choir Museum

The Choir Museum (formerly the mosque), in the Edirnekapi area and part of a monastery built in the 6th century, is one of the most impressive museums in Istanbul. Like other temples in Istanbul, the Choir Museum houses beautiful examples of Byzantine mosaics and frescoes.