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Church of St. Mary of the Mongols

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Fatih, Turkey

Greek Orthodox churchTourist attraction

Church of St. Mary of the Mongols Reviews | Rating 4.4 out of 5 stars (8 reviews)

Church of St. Mary of the Mongols is located in Fatih, Turkey on Balat, Tevkii Cafer Mektebi Sk. No:1. Church of St. Mary of the Mongols is rated 4.4 out of 5 in the category greek orthodox churchtourist attraction in Turkey.

Address

Balat, Tevkii Cafer Mektebi Sk. No:1

Phone

+902125217139

Open hours

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J

JR Suarez

After seeing the reviews and the pictures I can see some people mistakes the School ( a very impressive building that you cant visit) with the Church, a modest building behind walls next to the School. You cannot visit the school but you can visit the church. The entry door is normally closed (dont be afraid to ring the bell) because there are not many people praying there these days and recent political tensions with Greece (I could see some graffiti outside the church). There is a guardian who will show you. He speaks a bit of English but he is not a tour guide. They dont charge entry fee so I gave him a tip as thanks but yes he may look a bit impatient as he cant leave you alone in the Church. Overall worthy if you are in the area and easy to find with googlemaps. Inside you can see the entry of a tunnel that apparently leads to Hagia Sofia.

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Saeed Kalaje

Church of St. Mary of the Mongols, also called Bloody Church is located in Balat, Fatih. The church is very close to Greek Orthodox College. Normally you do not go in the church without ringing the bell and almost begging to the security person however we managed to get in after insisting. The church is called Bloody Church also, a reference to Ottoman soultan Fatih, conquering Istanbul in 1453. However this is the only church from that time that is given to orthdoxo community by his firman, a declaration and that declaration is still on the walls of the church, signed by him. It is a small church with many restorations after damages however a-must-see landmark for the cultural heritage.

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fatemeh ashjaei

This small church is one of the oldest in Istanbul and dates back to byzantine era. It is the only church that has never been converted to a mosque. It is a very small church with a bell in its courtyard. Its located just near the big and tall red bricked building which is a school but often mistaken by church. The interior is nice and there is some old work of art. However the staff are aggressive and not welcoming at all, they do not speak english and do not answer any question and any info. It is difficult to get there and neighborhood is not pleasant at all.

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Anderson England

Historic church in the atmospheric Balat neighborhood. If the gate is shut ring the buzzer and an attendant might be inside. I was lucky and was allowed to tour. Discover the only Byzantine Church never changed in Istanbul, including a posted letter from the Sultan protecting this building. Leave a little money to the church for maintenance and such. This is living history!

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Julia Totino

The only Byzantine era church that was never converted into a mosque in Istanbul. Very special place if you are able to get inside. Gorgeous church.

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Борис Борис

Looks good, but unfortunately there are very high walls around and you can't see all details closer

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Dan Murray

Four Stars because of the area: the connected Phanar College behind (the Harry Potter-esque one), the cafés, graffiti and old, rugged architecture. However, the church - small, quaint but incredibly old and unique in the city - is more often closed than accessible. We ventured out during the week, only to find it closed. Seemingly, if you get an organised tour (or possibly even show up on Sunday) you may have more luck. But it's worth a dander out that way. The Phanr College looks great. The surrounding buildings have a charm. There are numerous funky, fun, interesting cafés all around. And the Ecumenical church is just around the corner (which is free and usually open).

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Jash Rijvers

Many people mistake the church of St Mary of the Mongols (kanlı kilisesi) with the big Greek Orthodox school next door. The church is a small church with a red drum and tiled roof. The church is one of the only churches that was never taken by the ottomans. A copy of an edict by sultan Mehmet the conquer protecting the status of the church hangs in the church itself.

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