Istanbul Active Churches Tour with Private Guide
Overview
Istanbul Active Churches Tour with Private Guide
Discover Istanbul's many faiths on a private tour of the city's active churches. It is ideal for travellers interested in Christianity, religious architecture and the city's diverse history.
With your guide you see churches of the Greek, Bulgarian, Russian and Armenian communities, as well as the Roman Catholic Church and other important active churches in the city.
Highlights include the Church of St. George at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Fener, the Bulgarian Iron Church of St. Stephen, the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Panteleimon, St. Esprit Cathedral, the Uc Horan Armenian Church, the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua and the Church of Santa Maria Draperis.
It is a rare chance to learn about the religious architecture, the long history of faith in the city and the communities that keep these churches alive today.
Important: this tour is not available on Sundays.
Tour Info
Itinerary
Istanbul Active Churches Tour with Private Guide
Your guide meets you in your hotel lobby. Today you explore Istanbul's active churches and see how different denominations and traditions live side by side in this remarkable city.
- Aya Yorgi (St. George) Greek Orthodox Church: inside the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Fener, the spiritual centre of the Greek Orthodox world since 1602.
- Bulgarian St. Stephen Church: known as the Iron Church, it is the only surviving fully prefabricated iron church in the world, assembled in 1898.
- Aya Panteleymon Russian Orthodox Church: a rare rooftop church built in 1871 for Russian pilgrims travelling between Istanbul, Mount Athos and Jerusalem.
- St. Esprit Cathedral (Cathedral of the Holy Spirit): in Harbiye, the main cathedral of the Apostolic Vicariate of Istanbul and the seat of the Pope's representative in Turkey.
- Uc Horan Armenian Apostolic Church: in Beyoglu, first founded in the 16th century and rebuilt in 1838, an important centre of the Armenian community.
- Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua: on Istiklal Street, the largest Catholic church in Istanbul, built in Neo-Gothic style in the early 20th century.
- Santa Maria Draperis Church: founded in 1584, one of the oldest active Latin Catholic churches in Istanbul.
At the end of the programme you are transferred back to your hotel.
This is the end of our service. Thank you for travelling with us; we look forward to welcoming you again.
Important Notes
Please note that this tour is not available on Sundays.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✓Private Tour
- ✓Licensed Tour Guide
- ✓Transportation by Private Van
- ✓Museum Tickets & Attraction Fees
- ✕Meals & Drinks
- ✕Gratuity (Suggested)
- ✕Personal Expenses
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel free of charge up to 7 days before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 7 days of the tour are not refundable. All times are local time.