The Chora Museum is a historical building in Istanbul that was originally a church, then a mosque, and now a museum. It is famous for its stunning mosaics and frescoes that depict scenes from the life of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. The museum is located in the Edirnekapı neighborhood of Fatih district, near the city walls.
The Chora Museum is open every day except Monday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The last admission is at 4:30 pm.
The ticket price is 65 Turkish Liras (about 7.5 US Dollars) for adults and free for children under 8 years old. You can buy tickets online or at the entrance.
Chora Museum offers guided tours in Turkish and English for groups of 10 or more people. You can book a tour online or by phone at least one day in advance. The tour fee is 250 Turkish Liras (about 29 US Dollars) per group, plus the ticket price per person.
To get Chora Museum, you can take a bus, tram, or taxi from the city center. The nearest bus stop is Edirnekapı Şehitliği, and the nearest tram stop is Topkapı-Ulubatlı. The museum is about 15 minutes walk from these stops.
Some tips for visiting the Chora Museum are:
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as the museum has many stairs and uneven floors.
- Respect the religious and cultural significance of the building, and avoid loud noises and flash photography.
- Allocate at least an hour to explore the museum, as there are many details to admire in the mosaics and frescoes.
- Visit the museum early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a better view of the artworks.
The Chora Museum has some prohibitions for visitors, such as:
- No smoking, eating, or drinking inside the museum.
- No pets allowed, except for guide dogs.
- No backpacks, large bags, or umbrellas allowed. You can leave them at the cloakroom near the entrance.
Some of the highlights of the Chora Museum are:
- The outer narthex (entrance hall), where you can see mosaics depicting the genealogy of Christ and his miracles.
- The inner narthex (second hall), where you can see mosaics depicting the life of the Virgin Mary and her parents.
- The parecclesion (side chapel), where you can see frescoes depicting the resurrection of Christ and the last judgment.
- The naos (main hall), where you can see mosaics depicting Christ as the Pantocrator (ruler of all) and scenes from his passion.
The Chora Museum is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in Byzantine art and history. It is a unique example of how a religious building can reflect different cultures and eras over time. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness some of the finest artworks in Istanbul!
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