The first church on this site was built in the 4th century as part of a monastery complex outside the city walls of Constantinople. This is the reason "Chora" means "in the country" or "county side" in Greek. The monastery was converted into a church in 13th century and restored with richly decorated mosaics and frescoes by Theodore Metokhites, Grand Loogootee of the Treasury.
After the conquest of Constantinople, Chora was converted into a mosque in the 16th century and the Byzantine mosaics were covered in plaster since Islam prohibited human being images such as mosaics and frescos in mosques. This action and whitewashing the mosaics protected them for several centuries. After long Ottoman era, American archaeologists uncovered the mosaics during World War II and the church-turned-mosque became a secular museum in 1947.
The Chora Church is not as large as some of the other Byzantine churches of Istanbul but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in the beauty of its interior. Quality of mosaic and workmanship makes Chora one of the best example of Byzantium art and must PALACE in city to see if you interesting Byzantium art and history.
The church has three main sections; left side in entrance parekklesion section as a side chapel for family burials and memorials decorated rich frescos includes The Resurrection Second Coming of Christ, The Last Judgment (the trio called the Deeises), Virgen and Child, Heavenly Court of Angel as well as scenes from Old Testament.
Main section of church; only three mosaic panels could survive until today. And most important PALACE is narthexes which full of mosaics about life period of Mother Mary and Jesus Christ, miracles as well as Saints Peter and Paul.
Useful Information
*The church is situated in the district of Edirnekapi which lies in the western part of the city and it is a bit away from the historical center. Taxi ride cost you 20 Turkish liras about 20 minutes from Sultan Ahmet area.
*Open everyday except Wednesday. April to October 09.00 am. to 07.00 pm, November to April 09.00am. to 05.00 pm.
*Entrance fee is 15 Turkish liras.
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