Patriarchal Church of St. George Tours and Tickets

Don’t let the modest exterior fool you. Located in Istanbul’s Fener district, the Patriarchal Church of St. George serves as the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarch, the spiritual leader who might be explained as the Pope of Orthodox Christians. The church is also known for the religious relics it contains.

The church is typically open from morning until mid-afternoon. The Patriarch makes an appearance one Sunday each month for morning services when St. George closes for tourists. If you're interested in attending services, contact the church for an up-to-date liturgy schedule (they’re in Greek, so keep that in mind).

Yes. Many full-day tours of Istanbul or shorter neighborhood tours focusing only on Fener and Balat include a stop at the Patriarchal Church of St. George to see the famous relics, including Byzantine mosaics, the Patriarch’s throne, and the iconostasis, a screen of icons dating back to the 18th century.

Yes, most would say so. Even if you’re not religious, visiting a church important to millions of Orthodox Christians worldwide is worthwhile. The relics on display date back centuries, and the church is also an important landmark in Istanbul’s multi-ethnic Fener district.

No, reservations aren’t required. When the church is open to the public, you simply show up and go inside. That said, expect crowds for major religious holidays or special events. While you don’t need to reserve a spot in advance, showing up early in the day is a good idea.

Yes. Both men and women are expected to dress modestly as a sign of respect in this religious setting. For men, that means long pants and shirts—no tank tops. For women, wear loose pants, a skirt, or a dress that covers your knees. Keep chests and shoulders covered.