Monastery of the Transfiguration, Kinaliada

The religious complex stands at 93 meters elevation on Kinaliada island, featuring traditional Byzantine architectural elements and stone construction methods.

The monastery dates back to 1001 and served as an exile location for multiple Byzantine emperors, including Romanos IV Diogenes after the Battle of Manzikert.

Greek merchants from Chios led a reconstruction in 1722, adding a new katholikon and a chapel dedicated to Saint Paraskevi to maintain religious traditions.

Visitors can reach the monastery via ferries departing from Kabataş and Kadıköy terminals between 7 AM and 11 PM, with journey times of 45 to 90 minutes.

The monastery sits on iron and copper-rich red soil, which gave Kinaliada its Turkish name meaning Henna Island, reflecting the land's mining history.

Location: Kınalıada

Location: Princes' Islands

Location: Istanbul Province

Inception: 11 century

Architectural style: Byzantine architecture

GPS coordinates: 40.90587,29.05024

Latest update: March 4, 2025 11:39