The Trace of Christianity Biblical Half Day Tour in Istanbul

The Trace of Christianity Biblical Half-Day Tour in Istanbul can be performed either in the morning or in the afternoon. This is a private tour.

We will start our tour with The Patriarchate in Fener, adjacent to the Golden Horn, which is the centre of Orthodox Christianity. The capital was relocated from Rome to Byzantium after Constantine the Great declared Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. In 1453, when the Ottoman Empire was conquered, the Patriarchate remained in Istanbul.

Our next stop will be the Church of Panagia of Blachernae, the most well-known and revered shrine of the Holy Virgin located near the Golden Horn, renowned for its hagiasma (fountain of holy water), which is good for curing illness, and its Hagion Lousma (sacred bath), which is good for purifying the soul and where the emperor also visited to purify himself.

From that point onwards, the below sites will be introduced outside. Since this is a half-day tour, we won’t be able to visit these marvels of Christianity. If you wish to visit all these sites, you may check out our The Trace of Christianity Biblical Full Day Tour in Istanbul for a total Biblical experience in Istanbul.

Next is St. Savior in Chora (Kariye Museum), originally a Byzantine monastery dedicated to Jesus Christ the Savior, which has miraculous mosaics and frescoes depicting biblical scenes, the life and miracles of Jesus, then we will reach

Pantocrator (Zeyrek Mosque), the monastic complex comprised two churches and a funerary chapel, baths, a hospice for the elderly, a hospital and a medical school, a hostel for travellers, and a library. (from outside)Church of St. Mary Pammacaristos (Fethiye Mosque), constructed in the eleventh century by John Comnenus and exhibiting the aesthetic sophistication of the Paleologan Age, was originally a convent for nuns. Housed the Patriarchate for a while after the conquest. (from outside)

Zoodochos Pege at Balıklı, dedicated to the Mother of God at Pege, with an underground cistern, full of gold fishes related to a well-known miracle, and a fountain of holy water.

St. Sergius & Bacchus is a notable example of Byzantine religious architecture. Today, it is referred to as “Little Hagia Sophia” because its general design is a precursor to that of the Hagia Sophia. (from outside)

CLOSURES

Church of St. Mary Pammacaristos on Wednesdays
Beylerbeyi and Dolmabahçe Palaces are both closed on Mondays
Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia visited from outside on Friday mornings because of the noon prayer.
Grand Covered Bazaar on Sunday replaced by authentic shops
Topkapı Palace on Tuesday replaced by PLNTTB Tour to Byzantium
Dolmabahçe Palace  on Monday replaced by PLNGH Eyüp + Pierre Loti Coffee House + Miniatürk Program

Tour Code: PLN022H