Istanbul: Sultanahmet - Hagia Ireni (Church of St. Irene)

One of the earliest churches of Constantinople, St. Irene served as the church of the Patriarchate before Hagia Sophia was built.
The church took its contemporary shape at the beginning of the 4th century under Constantine. It is the only example of a Byzantine church in the city with its original atrium.
The building stands in the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace and was used as an armoury by the Janissaries after the conquest of Istanbul.
Today it serves mainly as a concert hall because of its excellent acoustics and impressive atmosphere.
Closed Tuesday