Chora Church Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket and Audio Guide Experience

• Entrance for foreign visitors is next to the Ebu Said El Hudri Tomb.
• Open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM (closed on Fridays for prayer).
• No shorts for men or women; women must cover heads (scarves available for purchase).
• No flash photography or supplemental lighting; no entry during prayer times (15 minutes before prayer).
• Some mosaics in the prayer section are covered; three mosaics depicting Jesus and Mary are discreetly concealed.
• The QR tickets are only shown when you are in close proximity to the entrance of the landmark.
• You need an Internet connection on your smartphone to get your QR tickets.
• Children will be asked to present their valid passports at the entrance of the museums in order to validate their age.
• All visitors must go through the security check at the entrances.

The Chora Museum, also known as the Kariye Mosque or Chora Church, is a stunning architectural gem located in Istanbul, Turkey. Renowned for its exquisite mosaics and frescoes, the museum offers a unique glimpse into the rich history of the Byzantine Empire.

A Brief History of Chora Mosque Museum

Originally built as a church in the 4th century, the Chora Museum has undergone several transformations throughout the centuries. It was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire and later reopened as a museum in the 20th century. Today, it stands as a testament to the enduring beauty and artistry of the Byzantine era.

The Magnificent Mosaics and Frescoes

The Chora Museum's greatest treasures are its breathtaking mosaics and frescoes. These intricate works of art cover the walls and ceilings of the museum, depicting scenes from the Bible, the lives of saints, and the Byzantine Empire itself. The vibrant colors, delicate details, and skillful craftsmanship of these masterpieces are truly awe-inspiring.

Highlights of the Museum to See

The Narthex: The narthex, or vestibule, is adorned with stunning mosaics depicting the life of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary.

The Main Chamber: The main chamber, or naos, is filled with vibrant frescoes that illustrate biblical stories and theological concepts.

The Exonarthex: The Exonarthex, or outer narthex, features mosaics that showcase the lives of the saints and the Byzantine rulers.

Important Visiting Info to the Chora Museum for Foreign Visitors

The Chora Museum is open to the public daily except for Fridays; opening hours are daily from 09.00 AM to 6.00 PM for tourists.

Turkish citizens and Muslim foreigners visiting for worship can enter the mosque free of charge. Kariye Mosque is closed for visits on Fridays as it is used for religious services.

To ensure a peaceful atmosphere for worshippers, the Kariye Mosque will stop admitting tourists 15 minutes before each prayer time. During the prayer hours/periods, visitors are not allowed to be inside the mosque.

Standard mosque visiting etiquette is required in central area departments (‘Naos’, ‘Inner Narthex’, ‘Annex’).

Shorts are not permitted for either men or women.

Women are also required to cover their heads with a scarf. Head and body coverings are available at the entrance ticket booth with various prices.

Headphones are also available for purchase at the entrance ticket booth, allowing you to listen to audio commentary about the history of Chora Mosque. But instead, you can listen to the audio guide prepared by Istanbul.com on your own mobile phone!

To access the Chora Mosque's visiting area, visitors must now enter the grounds from Kariye Türbesi Sk. (Street) on the north side and proceed to the entrance on the south side of the building. All visitors must undergo security checks at the garden security cabin. The use of flash photography, supplemental lighting, or similar equipment is not permitted since artworks sensitive to light and other people in the mosque find it annoying.

Please note that the mosaics in the building's prayer section (image above: ‘Naos’) covered with curtains in accordance with Muslim traditions. Three mosaics, depicting Jesus and Mary, are discreetly concealed above the entrance door of Naos (aka, ‘Nave’) and on either side of the pulpit using special techniques. Restoration team from the Culture and Tourism Ministry meticulously cleaned and restored the exterior mosaics using specialized methods.