Small Byzantine Greek Orthodox church founded in the 7th century & occasionally open to the public.
At a glance
#4 of 4 Greek Orthodox churches in FatihLocalGuideWorld score: 4.40
Rating breakdown
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5 ★68%
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4 ★18%
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3 ★7%
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2 ★3%
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1 ★4%
Quick facts
- What is the rating of Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church?
- Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church is rated 4.4 out of 5 based on 1,274 reviews.
- How does Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church rank in Fatih?
- Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church is #4 of 4 Greek Orthodox churches in Fatih by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
- Where is Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church located?
- Balat, Firketeci Sk. No:1, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye — 1.2 km from the center of Fatih.
The first structure was build At the beginning of the 7th century by Princess Sopatra (daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Maurikios), and her friend Eustolia
During the Latin domination after the Fourth Crusade, the monastery disappeared.
It was rebuild as we can see it today In 1281 by Maria Palaiologina, illegitimate daughter of Emperor Michael VIII and widow of Abaqa, Khan of the Mongolian Il-Khanate, returned to Constantinople after an absence of 15 years. Since that time, the nunnery and the church got the appellation of Mouchliōtissa ("of the Mongols" in Greek).
Tradition holds that Sultan Mehmed II endowed the church to the mother of Christodoulos, the Greek architect of the mosque of Fatih, in acknowledgment of his work. The grant was confirmed by Bayazid II, in recognition of the services of the nephew of Christodoulos.
Saint Mary of the Mongols is one among the few Byzantine churches of Istanbul whose ancient dedication was never forgotten.
During the Latin domination after the Fourth Crusade, the monastery disappeared.
It was rebuild as we can see it today In 1281 by Maria Palaiologina, illegitimate daughter of Emperor Michael VIII and widow of Abaqa, Khan of the Mongolian Il-Khanate, returned to Constantinople after an absence of 15 years. Since that time, the nunnery and the church got the appellation of Mouchliōtissa ("of the Mongols" in Greek).
Tradition holds that Sultan Mehmed II endowed the church to the mother of Christodoulos, the Greek architect of the mosque of Fatih, in acknowledgment of his work. The grant was confirmed by Bayazid II, in recognition of the services of the nephew of Christodoulos.
Saint Mary of the Mongols is one among the few Byzantine churches of Istanbul whose ancient dedication was never forgotten.
It was hard finding the main entrance and even harder to get in, because it was closed on a weekday
It’s a beautiful and well maintained building from outside. Unfortunately we couldn’t go inside so I don’t know how is it inside. It was closed for visitors. Also, keep in mind it’s on the top of the hill so you will walk a lot.😉
Von außen wirklich wunderschön, der Weg bis dahin erfordert etwas Energie, sehr steiler Weg. Die alte Orthodoxe Kirche wurde umgewandelt zu einer Schule. Samstags kann man gegen ein Entgelt auch rein und das ganze ansehen (wissen viele nicht) ansonsten ist es für Besucher geschlossen
Amazing architecture on Balat Hill from where you can see Balat. I didnt go inside but look geogeous.
You can find this church in the old balat neighborhood. It was very interesting to me that this church was made entirely of brick.
In my opinion, the name of this neighborhood should be given to the neighborhood of colors. The houses have been painted in different colors. It is full of colorful cafes.
In my opinion, the name of this neighborhood should be given to the neighborhood of colors. The houses have been painted in different colors. It is full of colorful cafes.
Historic church in the atmospheric Balat neighborhood. If the gate is shut ring the buzzer and an attendant might be inside. I was lucky and was allowed to tour. Discover the only Byzantine Church never changed in Istanbul, including a posted letter from the Sultan protecting this building. Leave a little money to the church for maintenance and such. This is living history!
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