adplus-dvertising

Hagia Irene Museum (Where, What to See? Entrance Fee)

Dating back to 4th century, the Hagia Irene (Aya Irini in Turkish), formerly church, now a museum and a center cultural activities and exhibitions, is situated inside the 1st court of the Topkapi Palace, in the Sultanahmet neighborhood of Fatih district, along the Sultanahmet Sqaure in Istanbul.

Hagia Irene also called as “St. Eirene” or “St.Irene’s” Church. It is one of the oldest Byzantium churches in Istanbul, was the 2nd largest church of the Eastern Roman Empire after Hagia Sophia.

History of the Hagia Irene Museum

“Hagia Irene” means “Holy Peace” in Greek. Hagia Irene was first built as a basilica with three naves, on the order of during the reign of Constantinos the Great (306–337), on top of a temple, out of wood.


Hagia Irene consists of three sections that include; the naos, narthex and atrium, while the standing atrium is the only surviving sample from the Byzantine period.

Hagia Irene Museum (Where, What to See? Entrance Fee)

After the Nica riot during the rule of Emperor Justinianus on 532, both Hagia Irene and Hagia Sophia burned down and all are reconstructed. And afterwards, it also had damages due to earthquake restored again in 740.

The upper structure of Hagia Irene was completely renovated during the restorations of the Byzantium period and it gained its today’s appearance as a domed church with basilical plan.

Hagia Irene Museum (Where, What to See? Entrance Fee)


No Regrets Booking Advice


After the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, Hagia Irene Church was not converted into a mosque like Hagia Sophia, it was used as an army warehouse.

Hagia Irene is now a museum today and also a venue for cultural activities and exhibitions. The high quality acoustic architecture makes Hagia Irene a great place for classical music events.

Hagia Irene was not open for visitors for many years but in 2018, it opened its door for visitors.

Hagia Irene Museum (Where, What to See? Entrance Fee)

Visiting Hours & Admissions

Opening Hours

Open every day except Tuesdays between 09:00-16:30

Closed on Tuesdays

Ticket Price

Topkapi Palace Combined Ticket-1 (Topkapı Palace + Hagia Irene) is 200 TL at ticket window on location



We Highly Recommend These Fantastic Night-time Activities


Topkapi Palace Combined Ticket-2 (Topkapı Palace + Hagia Irene+Harem) is 285 TL at ticket window on location

Please double check hours and admissions from millisaraylar.gov.tr

How to Get There

Location

Hagia Irene Museum is situated in the Sultanahmet neighborhood of Fatih district, Istanbul, inside the Topkapi Palace (in the 1st courtyard). See the location map.

Transportation

The most practical way to get to Sultanahmet is via Bagcilar-Kabatas tram (T1 line).

  • The closest tram stop is Sultanahmet.
  • Sultanahmet Square and most of the connecting roads are closed for vehicle traffic except tram and tour buses.
  • From Taksim, take the funicular to Kabatas (from taksim Square) or funicular to Karakoy (from Tunel square) and than take the tram.
  • If you stay at the Sultanahmet hotels, than you easily walk to the museum.

Check our Sultanahmet page to see how to get to Sultanahmet in details.

Contact Details

Address: Sultanahmet, Fatih, Istanbul
Tel: +90 212 512 04 80 ; +90 212 236 90 00


Share post:

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Real Estate Deals

The Best Places to Buy Property in Istanbul with Local Expert Help

Are you a first-time buyer wondering the best places...

Don't Miss

2023 Top 10 Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Entertainment

Here you'll find the comparisons and reviews of the...

Whirling Dervishes Show Istanbul (2023 Sema Guide with Tickets Advice)

Whirling Dervishes Ceremony or Show ("Sema" in Turkish) is...

Best Turkish Baths & Hammams in Istanbul for 2023, Prices

Hammam, also called Turkish Bath, is a traditional bath...

Top Bosphorus Cruises

Top Discount Cards

Istanbul Welcome Card (Why Buy? How To’s? Fares & Insider Tips)

The Istanbul Welcome Card is one of the four...

Istanbul Tourist Pass® Review: Is It Worth It? Insider Tips

The Istanbul Tourist Pass is one of the four...

Istanbul E-Pass (Worth It? How To’s? Fares, Insider Tips)

The Istanbul E-Pass is one of the four common...

Istanbul Best Attraction Tickets (Guide on Skip the Lines Buying Online)

Buy these the most visited attractions and sights in...

Medical Tourism

Hair Transplant in Turkey, Istanbul: 20 Best Clinics for 2023, Cost

Hair transplants are one of the most popular cosmetic...

Rhinoplasty in Turkey, Istanbul: 15 Best Surgeons for 2023, Cost

Rhinoplasty, also known as nose job, is one of...

Plastic Surgery in Turkey, Istanbul: Aesthetic Clinics, Doctors 2023

Cosmetic, aesthetic and plastic surgery have become one of...

Dental Treatment & Services Turkey, Istanbul: Best Clinics, Prices

Turkey has become one of the the favorite hubspot...

Botox & Fillers in Turkey, Istanbul: Best Clinics 2023, Prices

Here you can read out all the necessary information...

Don't miss these top-rated Istanbul tours and tickets!

Related Reading
READ MORE

Beylerbeyi Palace (Where, What to See? Tickets with Insider Guide)

Beylerbeyi Palace is one of the beautiful palaces in...

Sultanahmet Square (Hippodrome) (Top Things to Do & See)

The Sultanahmet Square, also known as Hippodrome and surrounded...

Galata Tower (2023 Master Guide with Tickets & Insider Advice)

Galata Tower, topped with a distinctive witch's-hat roof, is...

Divan Road (Top Things to Do & See, Eat & Drink, How to Get?)

Divan Road, which means "Road to the Imperial Council",...