Chora Church Istanbul (Kariye): Guide to Byzantine Mosaics

✓ Last reviewed: May 2026 — Verified and updated by our licensed Turkey travel experts. Prices, opening hours and visa rules reflect the latest 2026 guidance. Istanbul 360 — a 360° look at Istanbul filmed on our private city tour. Tucked away from the bustling crowds of Sultanahmet , nestled against the ancient land walls of Constantinople , lies a treasure of Byzantine art so magnificent it’s often called a 'Sistine Chapel of the East.' We're talking about the incredible Chora Church Istanbul Turkey , now officially known as the Kariye Mosque (Kariye Camii) . For centuries, its golden mosaics and profound frescoes have captivated visitors, telling biblical stories with a humanity and grace that feels breathtakingly modern. Though its status has recently changed, the soul of Chora remains one of the most compelling reasons to explore Istanbul beyond the main tourist trail. Many of our guests discover this masterpiece at the end of our Fener & Balat walking tour , a perfect, awe-inspiring conclusion to a day spent exploring the city's historic, colorful backstreets. Quick Answer: The Chora Church Istanbul Turkey , now the Kariye Mosque , is a former Byzantine church famous for its exceptionally well-preserved 14th-century mosaics and frescoes. After a long restoration, it reopened to visitors in May 2024 as a working mosque. While mosaics in the main prayer area are covered, the most famous narrative mosaics in the narthexes and the stunning frescoes in the burial chapel remain visible to the public. What is the Rich History Behind the Chora Church (Kariye Mosque)? The story of the Chora Church is a journey through the epic history of Istanbul itself. Its name, 'Chora,' means 'in the country' or 'in the fields' in Greek, signifying that the original monastery complex was located outside the 4th-century city walls of Constantine the Great . The structure we see today, however, stands within the mighty 5th-century Theodosian Walls . From Early Monastery to Imperial Mas