Istanbul: Hagia Irene Museum Skip-the-Line Entry

Istanbul: Hagia Irene Museum Skip-the-Line Entry

Entry tickets Guided tours Culture & history Tours Landmarks & monuments Art Educational activities Architecture Sightseeing Archaeology Churches & cathedrals UNESCO sites Religious & spiritual activities Museums & exhibitions Rainy-day activities

Visit the Hagia Irene Museum in Istanbul with a skip-the-line ticket. Explore the oldest church of the Eastern Roman Empire and learn about its history.

Highlights

Explore the Hagia Irene, the oldest church of the Eastern Roman Empire
Admire the unique architecture of the church, which was built in 330
Learn about the history of the church and its use as a museum
See the church's marble inscriptions and the weapons collection
Discover the history of the church and its use as a museum

Description

Discover the Hagia Irene, a church located in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace, on a guided tour. Learn about the history of the church, which was the second largest in Istanbul after Hagia Sophia. Meet your guide and head to the Hagia Irene, the oldest church of the Eastern Roman Empire. Hear about the church's special meaning as the first place where Turkish museology was born. Admire the typical Byzantine structure of the church, which was built on top of an older temple out of wood in 330. Learn about the Nika Revolt in 532, which led to the devastation of both Hagia Sophia and the Hagia Irene. See the three sections of the church, including the naos, narthex, and atrium. Admire the only surviving example of a Byzantine period church with a standing atrium. Learn about the changes made to the church during the Ottoman Empire era. After the fall of Constantinople, the church was used as a loot and gun depot. See the restored marble inscription tablets added by Sultan Ahmet III.

Includes

Entrance to Hagia Irene Access to the atrium, naos, and narthex

Important Information

GetYourGuide confirmation alone will NOT grant access to Hagia Irene. A host will escort you inside—meet them at the Chimney Bistro close by Topkapi Palace main entrance. Hagia Irene is within the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace, so plan your visit accordingly.