Are you interested in discovering Istanbul's most colorful neighborhoods? On this tour of Fener and Balat, you'll explore these historic and charming neighborhoods.
Tour Details
At the designated time, we'll meet at the Fener bus stop to begin this tour of the neighborhoods of Fener and Balat. Did you know that people of many different nationalities lived together in these neighborhoods both before and after the Ottoman Empire arrived in Istanbul? Greeks, Armenians, Jews, Bulgarians, and others have witnessed the collapse of two empires, over 20 conquests, and numerous Latin invasions. Now it's time to uncover the rich history hidden within their streets!
Our first stop will be at the Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople. Did you know its origins track back to Hagia Sophia? This is the official site of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, considered one of the most important figures within the Orthodox Church worldwide.
Next, we'll stop at the impressive Phanar Greek Orthodox College, a school that continues to be a symbol of the perseverance of the Greek community in Istanbul. We'll then visit the Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols, the oldest active Orthodox Church in Istanbul, and head to the famous colorful stairs of Balat. How about a picture at this ideal spot?
After, we'll visit the Palace of Dimitrie Cantemir, a renowned aristocrat of Moldavia who resided in Fener. This site reflects the neighborhood's rich multicultural history. Our next stop will be at the Panagia Paramythia Church, where we'll find the last remaining vestiges of this Orthodox Church. It's a unique opportunity to witness this site before it vanishes!
Continuing our tour, we'll walk along the charming and iconic colored houses of Balat. Every corner here is a perfect opportunity to take unforgettable pictures. Afterward, we'll wrap up our tour in the Church of Sveti Stefan, also known as the Iron Church. Did you know this church is a masterpiece created by the Bulgarian community?
Finally, after exploring the rich history and cultural diversity of these Istanbul neighborhoods, we'll conclude our three-hour tour of Fener and Balat.
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