HAGIA IRENE MUSEUM
One of the first churches of Byzantine and Akbank Jazz Festival venue, Hagia Irene reflects all the architecture characteristics of Justinian period.
Hagia Irene "Sacred Peace" consists of main hall, narthex and atrium. It is the only example of a Byzantine church in the city which retains its original atrium. The eastern dome is supported by four great arches and they describe the Golgotha Hills on which Jesus was crucified and the big cross on those arches describes Jesus. After the conquest of Constantinople in 1453 by Mehmed II, the church was enclosed inside the Sultan's Walls. The Janissaries (Ottoman soldiers) used the church as an armory. It was also used as a warehouse for war booty.
Today, the museum serves mainly as a concert hall for classical music performances.
Hagia Irene Museum:
Address: Topkapı Palace, 1st Yard, Sultanahmet, İstanbul
Public Transportation:You can go to Sultanahmet from Eminönü by tramway or from Taksim and Eminönü by bus.
Phone: 212 528 45 00
