Bulgarian St. Stephen Church
A Bulgarian Orthodox church of prefabricated cast iron on the Golden Horn shore in Balat (the “Iron Church”).
Images: Envato (licensed)
Eminönü & Golden Horn · Not within walking distance
Why visit?
On a Fener and Balat walk, to see this unusual iron building on the shore.
Short History
The church was assembled from prefabricated cast-iron elements produced in Vienna between 1893 and 1896. Its architect was Hovsep Aznavur, and it opened on 8 September 1898. After a long restoration it reopened on 8 January 2018 and today serves the Bulgarian Orthodox community.
About
St. Stephen Church stands in the waterfront park on the Golden Horn between Fener and Balat. With its gilded decoration and pale façade it is easy to see from the shore road; it is also known as the “Iron Church”.
What to know before visiting
How to get here from Meşale
Route from Meşale that we use ourselves: Fener · Balat
- Walk 8 min towards Sultanahmet
- T1 Sultanahmet → Eminönü
- Walk 7 min and transfer to the T5 line at Eminönü
- T5 Eminönü → Balat
The last rail service is around 00:00; plan your way back in advance if you stay out late.
Your map app calculates the time from live traffic, so we don't print a fixed figure here.
Our walking routes stay within Sultanahmet; this place is reached by public transport.
Get DirectionsView on Google MapsReservation at MeşaleVisit Information
- From Meşale
- Public transport · 3.8 km as the crow flies
- Area
- Eminönü & Golden Horn
- Hours
- Interior visiting arrangements can change — check the official site before you go
- Ticket
- Open for Worship
Highlights
- Cast-iron structure
- Location on the Golden Horn
- Gilded decoration
Tags
Source & Freshness
- Source:
- Kültür Envanteri
- Last checked:
- November 8, 2026
Hours and prices are for guidance only. Please confirm with an official source before your visit.