Church of St. Mary of the Mongols, Eastern Orthodox church building in Fener, Istanbul, Turkey
The Church of St. Mary of the Mongols is a Byzantine church positioned on a hilltop above the Golden Horn in Fener, surrounded by high walls that shield it from the surrounding streets. The structure displays typical Byzantine construction with stone walls, small windows, and a modest entrance hidden behind larger gates.
An emperor's daughter founded the original church in the 7th century on land that previously served as a burial ground. After Istanbul's conquest in 1453, this church remained in Christian hands while many others in the city were converted to mosques.
The interior features icons and ancient frescoes that line the walls, creating a visual record of Christian devotion over many centuries. These artworks help visitors understand how worship has continued in the same space across generations.
Access requires pressing a button on the outer gate, as staff members control entry and admit visitors only at certain times. It helps to walk around the area first to locate the church building and understand its position behind the protective walls.
This is the only Byzantine church in Istanbul that has served continuously for Christian worship since before 1453 and was never converted to a mosque. This unbroken continuity of religious practice within the same walls spans more than 15 centuries.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople
240 m
Church of St. George
256 m
Yavuz Selim Mosque
402 m
Pammakaristos Church
219 m
Bulgarian St. Stephen Church
242 m
İsmailağa Camii
337 m
Ahrida Synagogue of Istanbul
453 m
Hirami Ahmed Pasha Mosque
333 m
Cistern of Aspar
428 m
Bogdan Saray
568 m
Mehmed Ağa Mosque
439 m
Women's Library and Information Centre Foundation
179 m
Yanbol Synagogue
405 m
Yusuf Şucaeddin Camii Çeşmesi
540 m
Surp Hreshdagabet Church
543 m
Çorbacı Fountain
192 m
Panagia Paramythia Church
94 m
Çavuşbaşı Hamamı, Balat
564 m
Hızır Çavuş Camii
321 m
Hacı İsa Mosque
520 m
Katip Muslihiddin Yazıcı Mosque
288 m
Taksiarhes Rum Kilisesi, Balat
400 m
Hafize Hanım Çeşmesi
555 m
Tevkii Cafer Mektebi Sokağı Duvar Çeşmesi
43 m
Kalpakçı Fountain
279 m
Hacı İsa Camii Çeşmesi
537 m
Tatlı Memba Street Fountain
350 m
Wooden Minaret Mosque
228 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes