Agia Triada Greek Orthodox Church (Holy Trinity / Ιερός Ναός Αγίας Τριάδος / Aya Triada Rum Ortodoks Kilisesi) is located just off Istiklal Street near Taksim Square. It’s the largest Greek Orthodox church in Istanbul and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Beyoğlu district.

Hagia Triada is located in the center of a courtyard surrounded by high walls. There are a house, administrative buildings and a sacred spring dedicated to Hagios Georgios.

The structure built in the style of domed basilica carries the characteristics of European eclectic architecture. Church of Hagia Triada exhibits a rich appearance with motifs, frescoes and reliefs.

History

Agia Triada was built between 1876 and 1880 on the grounds of a former Greek hospital and cemetery. The architect who started construction was Potessaro in 1867 and it was completed by either Patroklos Kampanaki or Vassilaki Ioannidis and it opened worshipping on Sunday, September 14, 1880.

Thanks to Tanzimat reforms from 1839 to 1876, Agia Triada was the first domed church to be built in Constantinople since Byzantine times. Sakellarios Megaklis painted and decorated the interior while sculptor Alexandros Krikelis created marble works.

On September 6-7, 1955, the church was pillaged during the Istanbul pogrom. It withstood an arson attack by rioters trying to light it on fire with kerosene. Priests refuse to clean surrounding buildings on the property blackened by the attack so the riots will be remembered.

Visiting

The church is used daily by the small community that remains in the area. If it’s open, it’s definitely worth popping inside. Usually, only the narthex is open, where visitors can light a candle and see some of the icons on display.

If the church is closed and the caretaker is around, you can ask to be let inside.