Istanbul Synagogues and Churches
Hagia Sophia - Ayasofya Museum
Hagia Sophia, once the greatest church in the Christian world until its conversion into a mosque in 1453, is now one of Istanbul's most well known and breathtakingly beautiful museums. ...more »
- Location: Sultanahmet
- Type: Museums
Neve Shalom Synagogue
Neve Shalom, meaning ‘Oasis of Peace’, is the largest working Sephardic synagogue in Istanbul. It was designed by Turkish-Jewish architects Elyo Ventura and Bernar Motola and opened in 1951. ...more »
- Location: Karakoy
- Type: Synagogues and Churches
Ahrida Synagogue
Ahrida Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in Istanbul. Situated along the Golden Horn in Balat, this synagogue was built by Jews from present-day Macedonia in the 15th century. ...more »
- Location: Balat
- Type: Synagogues and Churches
Armenian Church of the Three Altars
Situated just off Istiklal Street near Balik Pasaj (Fish Market), the Armenian Church of the Three Altars dates back over 200 years and is still in use today. ...more »
- Location: Istiklal Street
- Type: Synagogues and Churches
Armenian Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator
The Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator (Surp Krikor Lusavoric) can be found next to the quay in Kuzguncuk. This Armenian church, which dates to 1835, is constructed of stone and brick. ...more »
- Location: Kuzguncuk
- Type: Synagogues and Churches
- Tel: 0216 3415002
Church of St Stephen of the Bulgars
The Bulgarian St. Stephen Church is one of the world’s last surviving pre-fabricated cast iron churches. The pre-fabricated elements of the Church were made in Vienna and sent down the Danube. ...more »
- Location: Fener
- Type: Synagogues and Churches
Ashkenazi Synagogue
Situated close to the Galata Tower in Beyoglu, the Ashkenazi Synagogue is the only active synagogue of its kind in the city. The Synagogue was founded in 1900 by Jews of Austrian origin. ...more »
- Location: Galata
- Type: Synagogues and Churches
Anglican Church of Beyoglu
A beautiful tribute to British soldiers' lives lost during the Crimean War, the neogothic Anglican Church of Beyoğlu (often referred to as the 'Crimean Church') was built entirely from stone. ...more »
- Location: Tünel - Asmalimescit
- Type: Synagogues and Churches
Cathedral of the Holy Spirit
The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Istanbul is the 2nd largest Catholic church in the city. This Baroque style church was built in 1846 by Swiss-Italian architect Giuseppe Fossati and Julien Hillereau. ...more »
- Location: Harbiye
- Type: Synagogues and Churches
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate
Istanbul's Greek Orthodox Patriarchate is the official worldwide headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Church. ...more »
- Location: Fener
- Type: Synagogues and Churches
Our Local Experts say:
Istanbul has been host to many civilizations and cultures throughout its long history, and these civilizations also brought their religions to the city.
There are many examples of old churches in the city, some of which date back as far as Byzantine times. From Greek Orthodox to Armenian, Bulgarian and Roman Catholic, Istanbul also has a number of more modern churches as well as some fine synagogues.
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