Patriarchal Church of St. George Tours

Istanbul’s Church of St. George has been the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople since 1600. Since the fall of the Ottomans, the Greek population of Istanbul has largely emigrated, so today it’s more of a symbolic center of the Ecumenical Patriarchate than anything else, but the spiritual leader of the world’s 260 million Greek Orthodox, Bartholomew I, continues to hold services here, and Orthodox Christians from Greece and across Eastern Europe stream though the church as pilgrims.
With its 19th-century neo-Classical facade which was constructed after severe fire damage, the church may look modest on the outside, but go inside and it’s a different story. Notice the Patriarch’s marble throne at the center of the altar, the huge chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and gold everything. Inside you’ll also find beautiful mosaic icons, and over the altar look out for the two-headed Byzantine Eagle. Just behind the church you can see the offices of the Patriarchate as well as the Patriarchate Library.
Practical Info
On Yavuz Sultan Selim Mh in the Fener district of Turkey, the Ecumencial Orthodox Patriarchate church is open to the public from 8:30am to 4pm, but strict security screening is in place. Donations are welcome.
Address: Yavuz Sultan Selim Mh, Istanbul, Turkey
Hours: Open to the public 8:30am to 4pm
11 Tours and Activities to Experience Patriarchal Church of St. George
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Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise Tour, Golden Horn Coach Tour and Cable Car Ride
See Istanbul from three different vantage points on this tour, including a sightseeing cruise, panoramic tour and cable car ride. Take a scenic cruise on the Bosphorus and admire top Istanbul attractions such as the Bosphorus Bridge and Rumeli Fortress from the water. Then, take a coach drive around the Golden Horn districts to see the former Jewish quarter, old city walls, iron-built St Stephens and other lesser-known treasures. Lastly, catch the cable car up Pierre Loti Hill to witness the stellar city views from its hilltop cafe.
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From
$43.34
From
$43.34
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Istanbul City Tour with Bosphorus Strait Sightseeing Cruise
Gaze over land and sea on this guided Istanbul city tour with a Bosphorus Strait sightseeing cruise. Aboard a comfy coach, discover the lively neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, and drive along the Golden Horn for spectacular views. With your expert guide experience the vibrant Spice Bazaar and then board a charming sightseeing cruise to traverse the Bosphorus viewing highlights like the Bosphorus Bridge and Rumeli Fortress.
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From
$43.34
From
$43.34
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Off the beaten paths of Istanbul
See a wide range of Istanbul’s cultural heritage and skip the long lines on this customizable driving tour. In the company of a guide, depart from your hotel in a private air-conditioned minivan and make your way into the city. Stop at the Chora Museum, Suleymaniye Mosque, the neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, Pierre Loti Hill, and more.
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From
$180.00
Price varies by group size
From
$180.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Private & Guided Fener - Balat Walking Tour - Istanbul Off The Beaten Track.
This is a special tour including some of the most unique places in the city but also which are difficult to visit on your own. The tour will take you to the roots of historic Istanbul with visits to the Muslim, Jewish, and Christian monuments.
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From
$140.00
Price varies by group size
From
$140.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Private Istanbul Tour in 1, 2 or 3 Day
Visit most popular sights of Istanbul with your private tour guide who has skip-the-line priority in 1-2 or 3 days;
DAY-1
Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace.
DAY-2
Spice Market, Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Istiklal Street, Galata Tower(from outside).
DAY-3
Suleymaniye Mosque, Chora Church, Fener-Balat Districts, Pierre Lotti Panorama Hill by Cable Car.
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From
$185.73
per group
From
$185.73
per group

The Exotic Istanbul - Private Tour (with Chora Church, Fener & Balat)
See second part of Istanbul Top 10 List. Visit the Underground Cistern, walk along Divanyolu Street (the Imperial Road) until Suleymaniye Mosque, the most impressive work of architect Sinan. Wander down to Eminonu area, strolling through the bazaar quarters. Short visit to the Spice Market (the Egyptian Bazaar) and we then continue with the Chora (Kariye) Church Museum after lunch at a local restaurant. Next, you will discover Istanbul's two of the most photographed neighborhoods.
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From
$132.00
Price varies by group size
From
$132.00
Price varies by group size

Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat
If you want a richer, deeper, and more unique experience of the character, authenticity and traditions of this multi-civilizational city, then a guided walking tour of the Fener and Balat areas in the old city is for you. You will see churches, synagogues and mosques side by side and see impressive sights of religious co-existence dating back centuries ago. Our qualified and licenced tour guides can guide you, as part of a customised tour suited to your wants and needs, through the subtle magic of the narrow, steep and winding streets, detailing their history and present day significance whilst sharing their personal insight.
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From
$278.60
per group
From
$278.60
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized

Unknown Istanbul: Fener & Balat
Of the whole Istanbul, the areas of Fatih, Fener and Balat are certainly the richest in history, the most fascinating and characteristic. For these reasons they have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List
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From
$149.34
From
$149.34

Semi Private - Constantinople Tour of Istanbul: Discovering the Byzantine Empire
Realize the true impact of the Byzantine Empire on Turkey during this 3-hour guided history of Constantinople tour in Istanbul. Step back in time almost 1700 years and discover how Istanbul’s famous religious architecture and monuments took shape during this age of Christianity. Explore prime examples such as the Holy Virgin at the Church of St Mary of Blachernae, the Walls of Constantinople, and the ruins of Blachernae Palace. The legacy created by the Byzantine empire is uncovered on this tour.
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From
$49.53
From
$49.53
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Byzantium Spirit of Istanbul
Today we feel the spirit of Byzantium of Istanbul. Our first visit is to the natural naval harbour of the Byzantines named “the Golden Horn” because of its hornlike shape and the golden reflection of the glittering waves under the sunshine when viewed from the hilltops. Visit the Patriarchate at Fener which has been the seat of Orthodox Christianity since Constantine The Great’s declaration of Christianity as the religion of the Roman Empire. Church of Panagia of Blachernae, the best known and most celebrated shrine of the Holy Virgin Mary and famed for its “Hagiasma” (holy water) and “Hagion Lousma” (sacred bath). The Anemas Dungeons (seen from outside, The Tekfur Palace, the only surviving Pavillion of the Blachernae Palace and the next stop on this tour is the amazing Church of St. Savior in Chora (Kariye Museum), originally a Byzantine monastery with exquisite mosaics and frescoes portraying scenes from the Bible. The Byzantine city walls will be in our list today. Join us!
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From
$184.36
Price varies by group size
From
$184.36
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Istanbul - Turkish slum and the district of Balat
Forget about the myths that tell you that Turkish slums are dangerous.
Istanbul's slums are colorful, attractive, and very photogenic.
With this self-guided tour you will walk around one of Istanbul's most vivid districts, Balat.
Stock up on a memory card - you will shoot without stopping and by the end of the walk you will have a hundred of photos.
• Discover hidden gems and secret places recommended by the locals
• Solve the riddles on the way to make your journey more fun.
• Avoid big buses and crowds with the self-guided tour downloaded into your smartphone
• Enjoy the advantages of the offline GPS navigation
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From
$18.56
per group
From
$18.56
per group
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