The Chora Church Museum, also known as Kariye Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s finest examples of Byzantine art. Built in the 4th century and richly decorated in the 14th century, it stands out for its detailed mosaics and frescoes that tell Biblical stories in vivid color and expression.
Once a church, later a mosque, and now a museum, it reflects the deep cultural and religious layers of Istanbul. Visitors can explore with an audio guide, enjoy the calm atmosphere, and take their time to admire these beautifully preserved artworks that survived through centuries, offering a true glimpse into the city’s glorious past and timeless beauty.
Please note that Chora Museum is closed to visitors on Fridays.
An audio guide is included and available in 25 languages: English, German, Russian, Persian, Arabic, French, Italian, Chinese, Dutch, Spanish, Hindi, Romanian, Ukrainian, Korean, Turkish, Bulgarian, Polish, Swedish, Japanese, Indonesian, Greek, Hungarian, Portuguese, Urdu, and Croatian.
