The Chora (Kariye) is a Byzantine church in Istanbul's Fatih district, close to the Edirnekapı gate of the old land walls, celebrated for one of the most complete surviving cycles of 14th-century Byzantine mosaics and frescoes — often called the 'Sistine Chapel of Byzantine art.' In 2020 a presidential decree reconverted it from a museum into a mosque, and after a long restoration it reopened for worship as Kariye Mosque in May 2024. As of 2026 it operates as an active mosque; outside prayer times visitors can still admire the mosaics of the narthexes and the frescoes of the side chapel.
The 'Anastasis' (Resurrection) fresco in the apse of the funerary chapel (parekklesion), showing Christ pulling Adam and Eve from their tombs
The sweeping 'Last Judgment' frescoes across the parekklesion vault
The 'Dormition of the Virgin' (Koimesis) mosaic above the entrance to the nave
The 'Deesis' mosaic (Christ and the Virgin with donor figures) in the inner narthex
The mosaic cycles of the Life of the Virgin and the Infancy of Christ, and the panel of Theodore Metochites presenting the church to Christ
Good to know
RulesIt is now a working mosque. Access is limited or paused during the five daily prayers and Friday worship, so check prayer times before you go. Foreign visitors pay an entrance fee (announced at €20 from 2024) and the Istanbul Museum Pass is not valid here — always confirm the latest fee and hours.
MannersDress modestly as at any mosque: women should bring a scarf to cover their hair, remove shoes at the entrance, and stay quiet inside. Three Christ-and-Virgin mosaics in the main prayer hall are veiled with curtains that are drawn open outside prayer times.
SafetyFatih around Edirnekapı is a conservative residential area off the main tourist trail; you'll walk 10–15 minutes through quiet streets from the tram stop. Keep your belongings secure and watch for pickpockets on crowded public transport.
CautionBe wary of unofficial 'guides' near the site and taxis that won't run the meter. Insist on the meter or use a ride app (e.g. BiTaksi or Uber) and agree on the fare in advance.
SeasonJuly–August is hot and the interior gets crowded; spring and autumn are more comfortable, and early morning is quietest. Combine the visit with the nearby Theodosian land walls at Edirnekapı.
Practical info
Located in Edirnekapı, Fatih. Take the T4 tram to Edirnekapı (or buses 28, 31E, 32, 38E) and walk 10–15 minutes; from Sultanahmet it is roughly a 20-minute taxi ride. Opening is generally around 09:00–18:00, but visits are restricted during prayer times and on Fridays; the foreign entrance fee (announced at €20) and hours should always be checked for the latest information.
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