Temples & religious sites
Church of the Holy Apostles
What It Is
The Church of the Holy Apostles was a 4th-century Byzantine Greek Orthodox basilica, second in size and importance only to Hagia Sophia. Although the original structure no longer stands, history travellers visit the location in the Fatih district to see the historic grounds and the imperial Ottoman complex that was built directly over its foundations.
Getting There
From central Sultanahmet or Eminönü, take public buses to the Fatih stop or ride the T1 tram to Aksaray and walk north. The journey takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Time to Allow
Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour to explore the grounds and perimeter.
When to Go
Visit on weekday mornings or early afternoons for smaller crowds. Avoid Friday midday prayer hours when the area becomes congested. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for walking.
Nearby Attractions
The site connects easily to several nearby landmarks:
- Fatih Istanbul Mosque (0km): Stands directly on the original footprint of the basilica.
- Şehzade Mosque (0.9km): A 16th-century imperial mosque to the southeast.
- Pammakaristos Church (1.1km): A former Byzantine church containing surviving mosaics.
- Laleli Mosque (1.2km): An 18th-century mosque located further south.
Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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