Church of St. Mary of Blachernae, Eastern Orthodox church in Fatih, Turkey.
The Church of St. Mary of Blachernae is a Byzantine structure in Fatih located near the Golden Horn that displays marble elements throughout its design. Within the complex, a sacred spring has been maintained as a focal point of the site.
The original church was built by order of Empress Pulcheria in the 5th century as an important religious site. The structure faced destruction and reconstruction through the centuries, yet the location remained spiritually significant to the faithful.
The church serves as a meeting place where Orthodox Christians and Muslim pilgrims come together to experience the sacred spring, which holds spiritual significance for both communities.
The church can be reached by bus from the Eminönü district or by using ferry services along the Golden Horn. A visit on foot is straightforward since the location sits in a well-connected neighborhood with clear pathways.
The site was rebuilt in the 19th century on original foundations and displays visible traces of restoration work from different periods. These layers of past work tell a story of how the community maintained its connection to this sacred place.
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