Hagia Irene, Byzantine church in Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey.
Hagia Irene is a Byzantine church within the Topkapi Palace grounds featuring a central nave with two side aisles divided by columns. A large dome crowns the interior and creates an open space that has retained its original religious character.
The church was founded in the 4th century under Constantine I and later served as the seat of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. After Hagia Sophia's completion, it lost this prominent role but has endured to the present day.
The space maintains its original Christian layout with inscriptions from psalms and religious texts carved into the ancient stone walls. These markings let visitors experience the spiritual purpose that defined the place for centuries.
The site is open daily except Tuesdays and serves as a museum as well as a concert venue during the Istanbul International Music Festival. Plan enough time to explore the interior and check current programming before your visit.
This church is the only Byzantine religious building in Istanbul that was never converted into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest. This exceptional status sets it apart from all other religious structures in the city and makes it a singular witness to the city's past.
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