Known also as St. Saviour, this church (now a museum) is famous for its mosaics. It is located in Edirnekapı, Fatih. After Hagia Sophia, it is the second most important Byzantine church in Istanbul, with beautiful frescoes on the theme of death and resurrection.
The word Chora, in Turkish 'Kariye', means 'countryside'. It was called Chora because the structure was first built outside the city walls in the 5th century as a chapel. It was dedicated to Jesus Christ. After the conquest of Istanbul by the Ottomans, it was turned into a mosque, and now it serves as a museum. The current building is not the original one; it was rebuilt in the 11th century by Justinianus. With its beautiful frescoes and mosaics illustrating scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, it perfectly reflects Byzantine painting art. While it looks very ordinary from the outside, it is spectacular inside.
Hours: Open daily 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (summer), 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (winter). Closed on Wednesdays.
Admission: Approximately 400 TL (about $10-12). Museum Pass Istanbul is accepted.
Getting there: Take the tram from Sultanahmet to Edirnekapı. Or take bus No. 87 from Taksim and get off at Edirnekapı station. The museum is a 2-3 minute walk from this station.
Best time to visit: Early morning (9-10 AM) to avoid crowds. The mosaics are best viewed in natural light.
Although it is not among the most popular tourist destinations, it is truly worth seeing for its mosaics and frescoes.