Chora Church Museum Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
The Chora Church Museum, also known as Kariye Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s finest examples of Byzantine art. Built in the 4th century and richly decorated in the 14th century, it stands out for its detailed mosaics and frescoes that tell Biblical stories in vivid color and expression.
Once a church, later a mosque, and now a museum, it reflects the deep cultural and religious layers of Istanbul. Visitors can explore with an audio guide, enjoy the calm atmosphere, and take their time to admire these beautifully preserved artworks that survived through centuries, offering a true glimpse into the city’s glorious past and timeless beauty.
Please note that Chora Museum is closed to visitors on Fridays.
An audio guide is included and available in 25 languages: English, German, Russian, Persian, Arabic, French, Italian, Chinese, Dutch, Spanish, Hindi, Romanian, Ukrainian, Korean, Turkish, Bulgarian, Polish, Swedish, Japanese, Indonesian, Greek, Hungarian, Portuguese, Urdu, and Croatian.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Chora Museum
Chora Church, also known as the Kariye Museum, is one of Istanbul's most important historical sites. It features stunning mosaics and frescoes that showcase the best of Byzantine art. Chora Church is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM and is closed on Fridays. Visitors can explore the church freely on any day except Friday. An average visit of 2 hours is recommended, but guests can spend as much time as they wish during the opening hours. With the "Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide" service, you can enter without waiting in long ticket lines. The audio guide provides detailed information about the church's history and artistic significance, enhancing your visit.
What‘s Included
Skip the Line Entry Ticket for the Chora Museum
Audio guide available in 25 languages
Tips
Gratuities
Meeting points
Chora Museum
Kariye Mahallesi, Kariye Camii Sokak, No: 18 EdirnekapI, Fatih Istanbul Turkiye
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Options
CMSE84
Reviews
5 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A star attraction, must-visit.
len4review,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible place with Byzantine mosaics; well preserved; accessible even after the museum was converted into a mosque. Off the beaten tourist path but well worth visiting. Recommend getting a guide to discuss the details of stories depicted in the mosaics and the frescoes. It enriches the experience tenfold.
Chora church museum
Linda S,,Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Definitely worth seeing. Fabulous mosaics of biblical events. It’ll take about two hours and there’s free audio. They provide Wi-Fi but bring your own headset.
The frescoes
joseluisr302,,Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00is a 4th century church that was recently remodeled with beautiful frescoes and testimonies of a time of great prosperity
Beautiful Byzantine church with glorious mosaics and frescos.
helengX9659ZO,,Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A small but beautiful former Byzantine church with well-preserved mosaics and frescos depicting not just the life of Christ but also that of Mary. It is well worth the visit away from the old town to see these magnificently decorated walls, arches and domes. An audio guide and written information enhance the experience with explanations of the scenes and the history of the church, now a mosque. We had a ticket issue which staff were extra helpful in resolving for us and, if you can time your visit for early in the day, you might enjoy this wonderful space before the tour crowds arrive.
Not to miss in Istanbul
J4877XNgabrielt,,Sep 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing. Do not miss. Best mosaics and frescoes we have seen in Turkey. It is a 10 min taxi ride from the center but absolutely worth the detour.
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Operated by Istanbul Tourist Pass®