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Kariye Museum (The Chora Church), Istanbul

4.4

#3 of 101 in Museums in Istanbul

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See one of the best examples of Byzantine design in the region with a trip to Kariye Museum (The Chora Church), whose interior is entirely covered in fine mosaics and frescoes. Originally built by Constantine the Great, this church has been reconstructed five times. Most significantly, Ottoman rulers converted the structure into a mosque in the 16th century. A bit off the beaten path, you have to travel to Istanbul's Western Erdinekapı neighborhood to find this building, which opened as a secular museum in 1948. However, the masterful and aesthetically stunning interior makes this trip worthwhile. Choose to start, finish, or center your holiday on a trip to Kariye Museum (The Chora Church) by using our Istanbul online trip itinerary maker .

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Kariye Museum (The Chora Church) Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

5,937 reviews

Google

4.4

• By Griffboy

  I echo the previous review - magnificent quality mosaics and marble, but with about 1/3 of it under restoration, not particularly good value. Also agree that given the small size, trying to avoid...  more »

• By Helga C

  It’s a year since I last visited, and so much work in the restoration has been completed Many of the mosaics and frescos are as complete as possible, given a lack of any further original material...  more »

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Google

• By Imran Ali

  Place is good from historical point of view but only a very small portion of premises is open. Worth going but no need to buy tickets at a costly price. Good to view from outside.

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• By Adriano Marques

  Small, very small. Parts of it were still under renovation, thus, covered. The guide tells stories of the mosaics in a quite descriptive form. Access to the museum isn't any easier either. Overall, I wouldn't recommend the effort although it is a Christian church in a Islamic Istanbul.

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