Vlaherna Meryem Ana Church
Vlaherna Meryem Ana Church
Istanbul, Turkey
Orthodox church from the 1800s, with a famed icon of the Virgin Mary & glittering sacred murals.
Last updated: February 11, 2026
Overview
Orthodox church from the 1800s, with a famed icon of the Virgin Mary & glittering sacred murals.
Opening Hours
Visitor Reviews
**★★★★★ Lebhotelier — 6 months ago
Beautiful old historic little church with a natural holy water spring inside. However the mass service according to the priest’s helper when I visited is on Fridays only from 9am to 11am in Greek language. Not sure why they don’t also do on Sunday which is when most people could come.
**★★★★★ S Hodges — 3 years ago
I arrived about 10 am. Although the caretaker opened the church without much ado, he seemed a little miffed that another pilgrim arriving simultaneously and I would want to linger more than a scant few minutes. Even though the édifice is 19th century, the location itself is still authentic. Holy water was available for a donation.
**★★★★★ Andreea Popescu — 6 years ago
To be able to step on the place where our St Virgin Marie walked so many years ago and prayed was something that cannot be explained into words. One must see with its own eyes to understand. Very emotional and spiritual place.
**★★★★☆ Ahmed Al-Akki — 3 months ago
The Holy Virgin Mary of Panagia Vlaherna is a Byzantine church and holy spring. The first church here was built by Empress Aelia Pulcheria and was completed in the time of Leo I (5th century).
**★★★★☆ melinda patricia — a year ago
One of Orthodox Church in Istanbul. I read from google that this one is not the old architecture of the real church. This one was built because the real one was destroyed or something. But inside still memorable and also the holy spring water also still there. Can't take any pictures inside unfortunately :(
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