Church · Fener, Istanbul

Chora Church

Chora Church
Photo: Tadam, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons

Chora preserves some of the finest Byzantine mosaics and frescoes anywhere, from the 14th century. Since 2024 it has been a working mosque, the Kariye Mosque, in the Edirnekapı area uphill from Fener and Balat. Look for the narrative scenes in the narthex and the side chapel.

Updated September 27, 2026On day 3 of Istanbul: Two Continents

Visiting Chora Church: what to know

Tickets
Foreign visitors pay an entry fee. It closes to visitors at prayer times, and modest dress is required.
Time needed
One hour
Best time
Morning
Getting there
Bus or taxi to Edirnekapı, or walk uphill from Fener

Istanbul itineraries with Chora Church

Day 3 of Istanbul: Two Continents

Chora Church and Fener

How Chora Church fits into a day.
  1. 9:00Chora ChurchChora Church
  2. 10:30Fener Greek PatriarchateEcumenical Patriarchate
  3. 14:00Pierre Loti HillPierre Loti Café
See all 5 days
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Chora Church FAQs

Is Chora Church open to visitors?

The church is accessible as a historic site in Fener.

What to see inside Chora Church?

The mosaics and frescoes show biblical stories in detail.

How long does a visit take?

Most visitors spend about one hour inside.

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