Chora Church Tours and Activities

Chora Church which includes heritage elements
Chora Church which includes heritage elements
Chora Church showing heritage architecture
Chora Church
Chora Church which includes heritage elements


One of the most beautiful surviving Byzantine churches, with interiors laid out in fine mosaics and frescoes, has been converted into the impressive Kariye Museum.

The Chora Church is a few miles away from the main historical sights of Istanbul. Still, large crowds gather here daily, drawn by its enchanting beauty and beautiful mosaics and frescoes. The ancient Byzantine church has survived earthquakes and the removal of Christian symbols during its Orthodox and Islamic periods. The first church on this spot was built in the fourth century. Chora means “country.” Emperor Constantine had ordered the building of the church to be west of the city and the church was given the name "The Church of the Holy Saviour Outside the Walls." Emperor Theodosius II expanded the city walls in 413, properly including the church in Constantinople.The current church dates from the 11th century, built by the mother-in-law of emperor Alexius I Comnenus. It has seen many additions and most of the interiors, including the mosaics and the murals, date back to the early 14th century. After the Ottoman conquest, the church became a mosque. Finally, in the mid-20th century it became the Kariye Museum you can visit today.Enter the ancient church and stare up at mosaics with biblical themes and stories. Highlights include the dedication to Jesus and Mary as well as the offertory pieces like the mosaic of the church’s fresco artist, Theodore Metochites. Outside, walk the massive Theodosian city walls and see if you can detect the marks of cannon balls and Greek and Ottoman scripts engraved in the stones. Watch your step, because the walls are steep and not always smooth, but the view from the top is rewarding.The Chora Church is located in the Edirnekapý district to the west of the city centre. The church is open daily, except Wednesday, and there is a small fee to enter. Taking a taxi is the safest and easiest way to to get the church, but it is also the most expensive. There is a bus stop nearby, which saves money but may take some time. This part of the city is generally less safe than others, so watch your belongings.

Plan a trip to see Chora Church

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Bricks Hotel Istanbul
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
Wyndham Istanbul Old City

Tours & day trips

See all 399 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 82 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 75 activities

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 42 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 32 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Chora Church

Rixos Tersane Istanbul

Rixos Tersane Istanbul

5 out of 5
Camiikebir Mahallesi, Taskizak Tersanesi Cd. No:23 2, Beyoglu, Istanbul, Istanbul
Rixos Tersane Istanbul
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Piyer Loti Cad No:7, Istanbul, Istanbul
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Ottoman's Life Hotel Deluxe

Ottoman's Life Hotel Deluxe

5 out of 5
Molla Gürani Cd., Istanbul, Istanbul
Ottoman's Life Hotel Deluxe
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

5 out of 5
Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6, Elmadag/Sisli, Istanbul
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Pera Palace Hotel

Pera Palace Hotel

Mesrutiyet Cad. No. 52, Tepebasi Beyoglu, Istanbul, Istanbul
Pera Palace Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul Topkapi

DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul Topkapi

5 out of 5
Orta Mahalle, Anit Sokak: No: 1, Bayrampasa, Istanbul, Istanbul
DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul Topkapi
Millennium Istanbul Golden Horn

Millennium Istanbul Golden Horn

Ayvansaray Mahallesi Ayvansaray Kuyusu, Istanbul
Millennium Istanbul Golden Horn
Dosso Dossi Hotels & SPA Golden Horn

Dosso Dossi Hotels & SPA Golden Horn

5 out of 5
Sutluce Imrahor Cad Dutluk Sokak No3, Istanbul, Turkey
Dosso Dossi Hotels & SPA Golden Horn
Holiday Inn Istanbul - Old City by IHG

Holiday Inn Istanbul - Old City by IHG

4 out of 5
Gencturk Cad. Sirvanizade Sokak No. 5, Vezneciler-Fatih, Istanbul
Holiday Inn Istanbul - Old City by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.