Galata - St. John Church

Galata St. John Church, also known as the Church of St. John the Baptist, is one of the oldest and most important Greek Orthodox churches in Istanbul. It was built in the 16th century by Greek architects, and its construction was financed by a wealthy Greek merchant named John Palaiologos.

The church is located on a steep hill in the Galata district and has a distinctive square bell tower that can be seen from afar. The exterior of the church is decorated with intricate stone carvings, including crosses, lions, and other religious symbols.

Inside, the church has a rectangular floor plan and is decorated with beautiful frescoes that date back to the 17th century. The central dome of the church is supported by four columns and is adorned with intricate paintings and carvings. The iconostasis, a screen of icons separating the nave from the sanctuary, is made of carved wood and is one of the most valuable religious artifacts in the church.

During the Ottoman period, the church was converted into a mosque and underwent significant renovations. The bell tower was replaced with a minaret, and a mihrab, a niche in the wall indicating the direction of Mecca, was added to the sanctuary. However, in the early 20th century, the church was restored and returned to its original purpose as a Greek Orthodox Church.