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Kariye Museum (The Chora Church)

Kariye Cami Sokak, Edirnekapi, Istanbul, Turkey
90212 631 9241
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Ranked #1 of 581 attractions in Istanbul
Type: Art Museums, History Museums
Owner description: This 11th-century church was noted for its remarkable mosaics illustrating scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. It has since been... more » Owner description: This 11th-century church was noted for its remarkable mosaics illustrating scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. It has since been converted into a museum. « less
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Melbourne, Australia
Top Contributor
58 reviews 58 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

The chora church is a small, beautifully museum with wonderful well preserved mosaics and frescos. The church dates to the 5th century although much of the current building is 11th century. It is just inside the city wall, probably 20 minutes from the centre of the old city. After visiting the museum we took a terrific walk through Balat to... More

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See 9 more reviews by Fitzroytraveller for Istanbul
Rapid City, South Dakota
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

I love this place! I found the mosaics better and more beautiful than Saint Sophia.. My photos is wonderful.

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See 2 more reviews by redy_wo for Istanbul
Wisconsin
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

The Chora Church was what I was expecting to see when I visited the Hagia Sophia: exquisitely-detailed mosaics and exceptional frescoes from the early Christian era. Beautiful Byzantine art, easily accessible to the eye of the beholder in a small out-of-the way church near Justinian's city walls makes a great visit outside of Sultanahmet. The cafe just outside the exit... More

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See 4 more reviews by Belladonnadellago for Istanbul
Auckland, New Zealand
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

I am not sure if it was our great guide, Hasan who brought this church to life or the fact that the mosaics are so spectacular. Most likely a combination. The story of Mary was carefully explained to us as it is depicted so well in the absolutely incredible mosaics on the roof of this small but special church. It... More

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Zurich, Switzerland
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

The mozaics are in excellent condition, it's a little gem. Taking the bus there is an interesting trip off the beaten tourist path and allows you to experience everyday Istanbul.

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See 3 more reviews by kfrommelt for Istanbul
San Francisco
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

out of world mosaics,I have seen a lots os mosque or museums but I have not seen as beautiful mosaic as this museums....

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Ludwigshafen, Germany
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
6 attraction reviews
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

If you like byzantine art you must go to the Chora Church. You can take the bus 36, 37 and 38 from Eminönü bus station and get down in Edirne Kap, we ask around for directions then to find the church but is not hard to get there. You can also walk around the old Constantinopla walls, they're very close... More

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See 8 more reviews by crisapacastillo for Istanbul
Top Contributor
60 reviews 60 reviews
23 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

We visited the CHora Church museum on a day trip with a driver and a rented car which also included a trip to the Walls around Istanbul, a visit to the Aqueduct and a trip across the bridge linking Europe to Asia. Because we had a rented car, our driver knew where it was and we had an easy visit.... More

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See 10 more reviews by Scotty65Md for Istanbul
Athens
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

Great visit especially for orthodox christians.... The mosaic are amazing , very good rule for the big groups to use headphones as mandatory. Recommend for everyone to visit.

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See 11 more reviews by Chris_trip_12 for Istanbul
pune
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

Although I am not a christian, and not really into the life of Jesus, this place was a great visit. Beautiful mosaics,haven't seen anything similar except for the mosaic museum in Gaziantep.

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See 5 more reviews by ashwinbahulkar for Istanbul

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