Hagia Irene
A Byzantine church in the first courtyard of Topkapı Palace, even older than Hagia Sophia.
Images: Envato (licensed)
From Meşale Restaurant & Cafe to Hagia Irene
Why visit?
On the walk between Hagia Sophia and Topkapı, to see one of the oldest church buildings in the city.
Short History
The building was founded in the 4th century; after the fire of 532 it was rebuilt by Emperor Justinian in 548. In the Ottoman period it long served as an armoury and storehouse, and from 1908 it was the Military Museum.
About
Hagia Irene is the red-brick church right behind Hagia Sophia, in the first courtyard of Topkapı Palace. It is one of the few Byzantine churches that was not converted into a mosque after the conquest.
What to know before visiting
How to get here from Meşale
From Meşale 500 m (8 minutes)
Your map app calculates the time from live traffic, so we don't print a fixed figure here.
Visit Information
- From Meşale
- 8 min (500 m)
- Area
- Sultanahmet
- Hours
- Interior visiting arrangements can change — check the official site before you go
- Ticket
- Seen from outside
Highlights
- Red-brick Byzantine building
- A church never converted into a mosque
- In Topkapı’s first courtyard
Tags
Source & Freshness
- Last checked:
- November 1, 2026
Hours and prices are for guidance only. Please confirm with an official source before your visit.