Hotels near Chora Church (Kariye Mosque)

The Chora Church (Kariye Camii, formerly the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora) is home to what many art historians consider the most important surviving cycle of Byzantine mosaics and frescoes outside of Ravenna. The current building dates from the 11th century, but the extraordinary interior decoration was added between 1315 and 1321 under the patronage of Theodore Metochites, a Byzantine statesman and scholar.

The mosaics in the inner and outer narthex depict the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary in extraordinary detail and vivid colour. The parekklesion (side chapel) contains a stunning Anastasis (Resurrection) fresco showing Christ pulling Adam and Eve from their tombs. The church was converted to a mosque in 1511 and is located in the Edirnekapi neighbourhood near the Theodosian Walls, away from the main tourist cluster. This remoteness is precisely its appeal - you will share these masterpieces with a fraction of the crowds at Hagia Sophia. Entry is free.

Pro Tip: Combine Chora with a walk along the Theodosian Walls (the 6.5 km fortification that defended Constantinople for a thousand years) for a half-day trip that most tourists miss entirely. Take a taxi or the T4 tram line (Topkapi station) rather than the T1 tram. Photography is currently restricted inside - check locally before visiting. The Pierre Loti cafe on the hill above Eyup (nearby) is worth the detour for Golden Horn views.