Hagia Eirene Museum

4.5

688 ratings

Rate this place

Konstantin Pol

Level 9 Local Expert

Unfortunately under construction today.

Xumora Sultanova

Level 6 Local Expert

Velikolepno

Анастасия А.

Level 27 Local Expert

It is a very monumental temple with interesting architecture, it has a centuries-old history, grandeur and powerful energy, all of which is impressive, despite its current state. It is now completely empty and is being prepared for restoration (or is in its inactive stage), most of the space is blocked by nets and fences. The visit is paid, as part of a visit to Topkapi or separately, the question arises as to how justified this is, but if it helps to restore as soon as possible, so be it. I didn't regret visiting at all, the opportunity to immerse myself in this atmosphere and listen to the whispers of the times was worth it.

See original · Русский

Екатерина Чулкова

Level 4 Local Expert

It's funny in January 2026 to see how people from 2024 and earlier complain about the high cost of a visit of 600 lire. do you want 1050 lire? With the atrium and gallery completely closed for renovation? Alas, these are the realities of modern Istanbul. For this amount, you will see part of the hall and the walls - we also tried to make the most of this cost - we examined everything, even more than what was offered. In my opinion, it doesn't justify its cost at all, just like Sofia. It would be possible to reduce the cost during the reconstruction period, but the people are already hurting, so the local administration does not see the point.

See original · Русский

Екатерина Колосова

Level 29 Local Expert

The oldest church in Istanbul, which appeared even before St. Sophia. The Church of St. Irene dates back to the 4th century AD, but the interiors that we observe when entering it are a little more recent. The building is next to the Topkapi Palace and if you buy a ticket to the museum, then a visit to St. Irene is included. It's a real, authentic place. It is believed that the church was never a mosque, but under the Ottomans it assumed more economic functions. Now it is a museum with good acoustics, which is sometimes used for concerts. To be honest, the condition of St. Irene leaves much to be desired, but the power of the building is felt, and its slightly neglected beauty fascinates. This is that piece of Byzantium, authentic, real, which you can and want to touch.

See original · Русский

Павел Титов

Level 13 Local Expert

This is not a museum, but just an old 4th century church. It may need restoration, but it's not for us to decide. If you bought a museum pass, then admission is free, I do not recommend buying a ticket separately.

See original · Русский

Виктор Федоров

Level 19 Local Expert

Turkey does not follow this magnificent architectural monument in the era of the Byzantine Empire, inside all the frescoes have been beaten off, unfortunately there is nothing to see.

See original · Русский

Надежда Гмызо

Level 28 Local Expert

I can't give less than 5 stars. It is impossible to estimate the value of this building! The entrance fee for March 2025 is 750 lira, but I didn't regret it. Yes, there are just walls and a ruined altar inside. But if you look closely, you can find frescoes on the ceilings. Anyway, it was useful to touch the history. I really hope that one day the temple will be restored to its historical purpose.

See original · Русский

Юлия Суздалева

Level 22 Local Expert

Aya Irini, Greek.Agia Irini, one of the earliest surviving churches in Constantinople, dedicated to the "Holy World", is located in the Sultanahmet district, in the first courtyard of the Topkapi Palace, next to St. Sophia Cathedral. Here are some key facts about her: 1. One of the oldest: Aya Irini Church is one of the oldest and most significant Byzantine churches in Istanbul. It was built in the 4th century under Emperor Constantine I, even before the construction of St. Sophia Cathedral. 2. History of rebuilding: The church was severely damaged by fires and earthquakes and was rebuilt several times. The current structure largely dates back to the period after the earthquake of 740, when it was rebuilt by Emperor Constantine V. 3. Interior feature: Its interior is unique in that it reflects the period of iconoclasm (8th-9th centuries). Instead of the traditional figurative mosaics and frescoes of saints, there is a simple but majestic cross in the apse. This is one of the few surviving evidences of Byzantine iconoclastic art. 4. It has never been a mosque: Unlike many other Byzantine churches in Istanbul, Ayia Irini was never converted into a mosque after the Ottomans conquered Constantinople in 1453. It was used as an arsenal (weapons depot), and then as an imperial museum. Thanks to this, she has retained many of her original features. 5. Museum and Concert Hall: Today it is a museum and is not a functioning church. It is widely known for its excellent acoustics and is often used for classical music concerts, especially during the Istanbul International Music Festival. A visit to Ayia Irini provides a unique opportunity to touch early Byzantine history and art, as well as to see a rare example of the iconoclastic period.

See original · Русский

vowen346

Level 8 Local Expert

It looks moderately interesting from the outside, but inside there is essentially nothing, just bare walls. Moreover, the entire central part and the second floor are not only closed to the public, but also fenced off with an opaque canvas. In general, this is another attraction of Istanbul, after which you ask yourself the question: "why did I pay for the entrance if there is nothing interesting inside?"

See original · Русский

Кара К

Level 18 Local Expert

I was in this church after all the places of Topkapi, I was not particularly impressed, you can get around in a few minutes, in some places it is closed with a curtain. It just looks like an abandoned building. The visit was included in the price of Topkapi, I would not have taken a ticket separately.

See original · Русский

Фёдор Архангельский

Level 7 Local Expert

While everyone was queuing in Hagia Sophia, I came here on the occasion of my visit to the Topkapi Palace, and I can say that this is one of the most vivid impressions of all the tourist attractions I have seen. An incredibly atmospheric place that has remained virtually untouched since its foundation, as I understand it. The real cradle of Orthodoxy, the age of which is felt almost palpably. If you look closely, you can see the faint remains of frescoes on the columns and ceilings. This church was not turned into a mosque at the time, and in my opinion it gives the most plausible idea of how it all began. The exterior of the building also remained virtually untouched, except that instead of a cross, a crescent moon. It's very unsociable here, with the crowds in Topkapi, and many people avoid it, which is good, because you can take a break from the noise and jostling in queues at the palace and immerse yourself in the lingering atmosphere of antiquity. I hope that during the restoration work that is apparently being carried out here, they will not be engaged in reconstruction, but simply make the building safe to visit, preserving its current appearance. Such, albeit very tired, but authentic historical artifacts, in my opinion, are more valuable than even the most high-quality reconstructions.

See original · Русский

Olga M.

Level 10 Local Expert

I was even more impressed than the famous Hagia Sophia. There has never been a mosque here, the cathedral was built for Christians and has retained all its symbols to this day. The interior is under reconstruction, but the canvases reveal a cross and a service hall.

See original · Русский

Людмила Чегодаева

Level 16 Local Expert

It's such a monumental structure that reeks of hoary antiquity. You just feel the scent of centuries. There is nothing to distract from the contemplation of the architecture of the building. It's a pity that part of the building is under restoration, I hope it will be no less interesting to visit it later.

See original · Русский

Синди

Level 11 Local Expert

We managed to visit this place 5 minutes before closing time. Inside, my husband and I were alone. It was dark and a little creepy, like in a dungeon. There were no tourists and it was very quiet. It is one of the oldest buildings in Istanbul.

See original · Русский

Ирина

Level 9 Local Expert

If it were not for the price of 1050 liras, provided that only a small part can be viewed due to the renovation, it would be 5 stars. And it was nice to touch the story.

See original · Русский

Маргарита

Level 9 Local Expert

It's a very atmospheric place. It's empty and dark, and it feels abandoned. Turks don't need antiquity, it feels like they're just waiting for the church to fall apart. But it is here, unlike Hagia Sophia, that the presence of God is felt.

See original · Русский

Ирина Фомина

Level 11 Local Expert

I love such ancient places.😍 In fact, there is nothing unusual: an ancient building, empty inside, bare walls... But in fact, there is some other atmosphere, just antique. And there is only one thought in my head: how in the IV century of our era people were able to build such a structure that survived in a normal state until the XXI century!!!! and why are such crooked craftsmen and houses like houses of cards collapsing at the slightest change!???? I definitely recommend visiting!

See original · Русский

Александр Кустов

Level 28 Local Expert

It's beautiful, but there are no murals, but you can feel the power of this place. If you have purchased a ticket to Topkapi, then passage here will be free. The considerable thickness of the century-old walls, the striking architecture and the century-old vaults, all this evokes respect for the ancient architects. Definitely worth a visit

See original · Русский

Игорь Пар

Level 8 Local Expert

Hello everyone A visit to St. Irene's Church was part of our daily program. I recommend it for lovers of ancient architecture. Informative.

See original · Русский

Ирина Чагина

Level 23 Local Expert

The church itself is beautiful, but restoration work is underway inside and most of it is closed from visitors, while tourists are charged entrance fees.

See original · Русский

Дарья Евдокимова

Level 7 Local Expert

An inconspicuous church that gets lost in the background of Hagia Sophia. But if you have a good guide, you will understand that this place is no less interesting and valuable from a historical point of view. The interior is undergoing restoration, but it is possible to get an impression of the place. Ancient, miraculously preserved in almost pristine condition. Definitely worth a visit.

See original · Русский

Vitaly

Level 12 Local Expert

The building itself is beautiful, but it is in a very poor condition. Inside, the entire center of the temple is closed, so standing in the center to experience all its former beauty and scale will not work. As a result, almost no one enters it...

See original · Русский

Людмила

Level 17 Local Expert

It's a story that you want to write about, read about, feel about, and feel about. A story that conveys incredible sensations, incredible energy. I advise you to visit.

See original · Русский

Дмитрий

Level 8 Local Expert

It's a very old building, older than Hagia Sophia. There's nothing left inside, just brick walls. It was never converted into a mosque, but was used as an armory. It contains the remains of Emperor Constantine the Great.

See original · Русский

Танюшка

Level 11 Local Expert

This is a museum of Orthodoxy, although all the frescoes have been knocked off the walls, but the building itself conveys a sense of light.

See original · Русский

Не нА ДиВаНе сообщество в ВК и канал Дзен

Level 16 Local Expert

Entrance to the temple is paid, it costs 25 euros per person, personally, in my opinion, you need to enter such places for free, or with a symbolic price. The greed of the city government knows no bounds.

See original · Русский

михаил

Level 23 Local Expert

The place is iconic. Interesting. The cathedral in which the 2nd Ecumenical Council was held, where Arianism was condemned. The Patriarchal department before the construction of Sofia. But at the current ticket price, it should be understood that the temple inside is destroyed and almost empty. Whether it's worth the money or not is up to you.

See original · Русский

Pavel

Level 24 Local Expert

An iconic place. It's worth a visit. It is better to arrive 10 minutes before the opening of the ticket offices. From 9 to 9.30 am, the least crowded, then the crowds and queues. They only let you on the second floor. You can also go to the museum. For an adult, 25 euros, if also a museum, then 47 euros. Recommend.

See original · Русский

Алексей

Level 6 Local Expert

It is certainly a very important historical building, but unfortunately you will not see absolutely anything inside. If you have a limited budget, you can save on the entrance ticket by simply looking at these photos)

See original · Русский

Вероника Константинова

Level 11 Local Expert

Attention, the museum is under restoration, everything inside is covered with scaffolding, access is limited, you can go and see no more than 10% of the room. Despite this, an entrance fee is charged.

See original · Русский

Konstantin Krasnoperov

Level 14 Local Expert

Visited in the spring of 2025. It's ascetic. The interior is not in a hurry to repair. It is of interest more to connoisseurs of history than to ordinary tourists.

See original · Русский

Екатерина

Level 30 Local Expert

The church itself is uninteresting, there is emptiness and darkness inside, there is nothing to see inside. But green parrots live in the walls of the church) but you don't have to go inside to see them.

See original · Русский

Любовь Б.

Level 13 Local Expert

We were even more impressed than Hagia Sophia, visiting this temple is possible when buying a ticket to Topkapi, I do not know the cost separately, but the ticket office was seen next to the entrance

See original · Русский

Ольга Фролова

Level 8 Local Expert

No one went inside . You have to pay for the ticket separately. About 1000 lire . The church is large and ancient . Impressive

See original · Русский

Светлана М.

Level 4 Local Expert

We visited as part of a comprehensive ticket to the Topkapi Palace. There's not much to see in the church itself. You can walk around the edge of an empty hall and that's it. The 2nd floor passes were closed.

See original · Русский

Татьяна Шипилова

Level 23 Local Expert

We have been visiting Istanbul with tuoists for 4 years now. Once I stood under the arches of Hagia Sophia, touched the wall of Topkapi with my hand, heard the cries of seagulls over the Bosphorus - and you are no more) - you disappeared into this Beauty. Saint Irene is a Bright Pearl in the Istanbul-Constantinople necklace. Although she herself has suffered from Time to Time, but the former Greatness is in Every Inch. Be sure to visit Topkapi and St. Irene. I highly recommend it to ALL Guests of Istanbul.

See original · Русский

Мария Слабодская

Level 11 Local Expert

A historical place.We were with a guide.Interesting, informative.A city with a century-old history.I advise you to visit all those who have not been.It is better in April and May, when it is not very hot and comfortable.

See original · Русский

Оксана Неретина

Level 11 Local Expert

A very strong place. Even though there are bare walls inside. This building is older than the St. Sophia building, and History was made in it too! I'm glad I've been there. There's no escaping the energy of this place!

See original · Русский

Иринка

Level 16 Local Expert

The architecture is amazing. What a scale and majesty. It's a pity that there's just an empty building inside. I would like at least some things from those times. Although the temple was used as a warehouse. It is possible to show how t that tvi was stored. But in any case, it is definitely worth a visit

See original · Русский

Максим

Level 30 Local Expert

The very beautiful church of St. Irene is a must-see. St. Irene's Church is considered to be the earliest surviving church in Constantinople. It is located on the territory of the Topkapi Ottoman Palace in Istanbul. Contrary to the name, Ayia Irena was consecrated in honor of the Holy World, not Saint Irene. The church was founded in the IV century. Since then, it has been destroyed and rebuilt more than once. The extension in front of the entrance is lined with mosaics from the time of Emperor Justinian. And inside the basilica there is a real sarcophagus. Legend has it that the remains of Constantine the Great lie in it. The first Christian church on the site of Ayia Irena was founded in 311, which was the year the persecution of Christians ended. Researchers have established that this place used to be the sanctuary of the ancient Greek goddess Aphrodite. The construction of the basilica was completed in 337, towards the end of Constantine's reign. In 381, the Second Ecumenical Council was held in Ayia Irena. The history of St. Irene's Church in Constantinople, like the entire history of Christianity, is filled with bloody events. In the middle of the fourth century, more than 3,000 people were killed near the temple. The reason was religious differences. In 532, during the reign of Justinian I, the Nika revolt took place. It became the largest rebellion for both Constantinople and Byzantium. The rebels fought against harassment and uncompromising church policy on the part of the authorities. More than 35,000 people died during the suppression of the uprising. At least half of Constantinople has fallen into ruins. The Basilica of St. Irene did not survive either. Justinian rebuilt it again by 548. Then the temple was seriously damaged during the earthquake that occurred in 740. Konstantin V. was engaged in new restoration work. He ordered the interior of the building to be decorated with frescoes and mosaics. Fragments of this restoration have been preserved to this day. In the 1450s, when the Ottoman Turks took over Constantinople after many attempts, the church remained almost untouched. At least inside, there were no signs that it had been converted into a mosque. Only the cross on the dome was replaced with a crescent moon, the main symbol of Islam. That is why nowadays the church of St. Irene in Istanbul is considered a unique example of a basilica, which miraculously at least partially preserved its original appearance. The Ottomans did not remodel the church to suit the needs of their religion. But by order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, she was imprisoned in the walls of the Topkapi Palace to be turned into an ammunition depot. In this form, the church of St. Irene in Constantinople existed for several centuries. In the middle of the 19th century, a Museum of archeology was built in the basilica. Later it became the Imperial Museum, and then the Military Museum. Many tourists are interested in what St. Irene's Church looks like from the inside. Today it has been converted into a concert hall. The extraordinary acoustic parameters and atmosphere are perfect for live classical music performance. Since the 1980s, the former temple has hosted the Istanbul International Music Festival. However, to get inside, it is not necessary to adapt to a specific event. Since January 2014, Ayia Irena has been available to the public as a museum. You can visit it on any day of the week except Tuesday. Entrance is paid.

See original · Русский

Александр Зорин

Level 28 Local Expert

It's worth a visit. A large temple, a monument to Christianity and Orthodoxy. The condition inside is not so good - it came under distribution during the capture of the city. But it's worth a look, you can go along with the Topkapi Palace.

See original · Русский

Наталья Логвинова

Level 13 Local Expert

Built in 537-555, it was a Christian church in honor of St. Peter the Great.Irina. It's under reconstruction, nah.on the territory of the Topkala Palace.It 's a museum now .

See original · Русский

Юлия А.

Level 7 Local Expert

Two stars only out of respect for the church. How did it happen that an Orthodox person has to pay 600 rubles for the entrance to the church (which, by the way, was stripped to a brick from the inside)?! We were in December 2024

See original · Русский

Олег Семенов

Level 18 Local Expert

It's a big, beautiful building. The interior is empty, reconstruction is underway. Before it ends, you can only look outside.

See original · Русский

Сергий

Level 15 Local Expert

Very beautiful exterior, the building is buried for 2-4 meters after the fatal disaster! They didn't go expensive inside(((

See original · Русский

Валерий Клочко

Level 10 Local Expert

The temple stands empty and abandoned. They are slowly restoring it now. There was a warehouse, just like in Soviet times. But if you remember how old he is (sixth century, Karl!) that impression is amazing.

See original · Русский

Елена Семенякова

Level 30 Local Expert

The oldest building of the church is probably at the present moment, there was a wooden church in its place. It is simply amazing in its size, at that time it was not so easy to build. It's great to see and find yourself in that time.

See original · Русский

Елена Д.

Level 15 Local Expert

Oh, we should have started reconstructing it already. The place is atmospheric. Very nice walkways to the second floor. But, since everything is destroyed, you can only run through the bottom.

See original · Русский

Ирина Молдованова

Level 6 Local Expert

An absolute immersion into the depths of centuries... There are no words to describe the impressions and sensations. It is better to visit once to see and feel the incredible atmosphere of this place! For those who will visit, please note that the entrance ticket is sold to the Top Caps and the church of St. Irene, you will not buy separately in the Top caps. You can buy separately to the church of St. Irene, but then if you decide to visit the Top caps another time you will have to overpay. And the payment is only in Turkish lira, so when you get there for an excursion, change the day before to Turkish lira

See original · Русский

Hagia Eirene Museum

202 reviews