Sveti Stefan Church in Istanbul: A Unique Architectural Wonder of the World
The history of Sveti Stefan Church dates back to ancient times. The most important feature that distinguishes this church from other churches is that it is made entirely of iron. This church, which was built by the Bulgarian community with the permission of Abdul Hamid Khan, was opened on September 8, 1898. This church, whose architecture was undertaken by Hovsep Aznavur, reflects the New Byzantine architecture. The Neo-Gothic, Neo-Baroque architectural style features in the church where Parteniy Zografski was buried. So, where is the Sveti Stefan Church? What is special about the Sveti Stefan Church? How to visit the Sveti Stefan Church? Let's explore together 👇
Information About Sveti Stefan Church
Sveti Stefan Church is located very close to the Golden Horn shore of the Orthodox sect. Sveti Stefan Church has a history of approximately 150 years. Sveti Stefan Church, which is still used as an active place of worship today, is connected to the Bulgarian exarchate. For this reason, it contains traces of Orthodox culture. Sveti Stefan Church was renovated in 2018.
Legend of Sveti Stefan Church
According to legend, Bulgarians living in Istanbul wanted to leave the Greek Patriarchate and build their own church in the 19th century. They conveyed their wishes to the then-Ottoman Sultan. However, Sultan Abdülaziz did not want the Bulgarians to build a church independent of the Fener Patriarchate. In order not to reject the request of the Bulgarians outright, the sultan of the time said, 'I will permit the condition that the church building is completed within three months'. It was not possible to complete such a building in three months under the conditions of the time. Upon this promise, the Bulgarians had the church cast from iron in Vienna, then transported it from the Danube and the Black Sea and built it on the shore of the Golden Horn in three months. Seeing that the church was completed in the given time, Sultan Abdülaziz was forced to keep his promise to the Bulgarians. The accuracy of this legend is not clearly known, but there is no record of it.
History of Sveti Stefan Church
The Bulgarians, who were uncomfortable with the Greek liturgy in the Orthodox churches in Istanbul, wanted to establish a church that was not affiliated with the Greek Patriarchate of Fener in order to hold services in their own language, but the Patriarchate did not accept this request of the Bulgarians. As a result of this event that took place during the Panslavism period, the Bulgarian state took Russia behind it.
In 1849, Stefan Vogoridis, one of the prominent members of the Bulgarian community in the Ottoman Empire and a member of parliament at the time, received permission from the Bâb-ı Âli to build a church. For the construction of the church, he donated three buildings, two masonry and one wooden, and his 25-room house with a large courtyard.
The construction of the church began on October 25, 1859 and was completed on July 14, 1896. On September 8, 1898, the church was officially inaugurated, reflecting the neo-baroque and neo-Gothic architectural style very well. Sveti Stefan Church was one of the most famous churches of its time. Armenian Hovsep Aznavur, who lived during the Ottoman Empire, was the architect.
The Features of Sveti Stefan Church
There is one bell tower in the church.
The height of the bell tower of the church is 40 meters.
Sveti Stefan Church has 3 domes.
Cast iron and steel are used in the construction of the church.
The architectural style is neo-Gothic and neo-Baroque.
How to get to Sveti Stefan Church?
By Private Vehicle:
Those coming from the Anatolian side should cross the first or second bridge to the European side and reach Fatih. You can park your car here by turning from the Golden Horn shore to Balat and reaching the church on foot.
By Public Transportation:
From the Anatolian side:
Kadıköy/Üsküdar: Take the Eminönü ferry, then get off at the Fener stop with one of the buses numbered 36CE, 399B, 399C, 44B, 48E, 55T, 99, 99A from Eminönü.
Umraniye: You can take the Üsküdar-Ümraniye metro to Üsküdar, then take the Eminönü ferry and use the same buses.
Kartal-Maltepe-Pendik-Tuzla: Take the 500T to Ayvansaray. Cross the overpass and walk towards the Golden Horn. From the stop on the right, get off at the Fener stop with one of the buses above.
From the European Side:
Beylikdüzü, Avcılar, Bahçelievler, etc: Get off at Ayvansaray-Eyüp stop by Metrobus, walk towards Golden Horn and take the buses to Fener from the bus stop.
Esenler, Bayrampaşa: Take the Yenikapı-Airport metro to Merter, get off at Ayvansaray and follow the same route.
Bağcılar, Güngören: Take the Kabataş-Bağcılar subway to Zeytinburnu, get off at Zeytinburnu and follow the same route to Ayvansaray.
Taksim: You can get off the 55T bus directly at Fener station.
Where is Sveti Stefan Church?
It is located in the Balat neighbuorhood of Fatih district of Istanbul. Sveti Stefan Church, located in the center of the city, is easily accessible thanks to this feature.
Address: Balat, Mürselpaşa Cd., 34087 Fatih/Istanbul
Sveti Stefan Church Visiting Hours
Sveti Stefan Church, which is open every day of the week, welcomes its guests between 09:00 - 17:00, regardless of weekdays or weekends. You can visit this church every day, but remember that it may be closed on official and special days.
Reviews of Sveti Stefan Church
From the visitors' point of view, Sveti Stefan Church is like an open-air museum with its architecture, location and impressive historical texture:
'One of the most impressive churches I have ever seen!'
The use of completely iron and prefabricated materials in its construction makes this building unique. The church, which is under the administration of Bulgaria, attracts the attention of everyone, local and foreign. You can visit until 16.30. I highly recommend it. 🙋🏻♂️🍀
'It stands out with its splendour and architecture.'
Since it is located on the Balat coast, it is very easy to reach. Even from a distance, it is a structure that immediately makes itself known. Mostly Muslim visitors come to see this historical place of worship with curiosity. A place worth seeing!
'It is very impressive that it is made of iron.'
During the pandemic, the upper floor was closed, but now it is open. You can see the details more closely by going upstairs. It offers great shots for photography enthusiasts. Sometimes, sacred rituals are also organised.
'A must stop on your Balat trip.'
It is both architecturally successful and aesthetically fascinating. It is also very easy to reach.
'An impressive building with its historical texture and construction process.'
Located by the sea, this unique Bulgarian Church is made entirely of iron and is unique in our country. The iron parts were brought from Bulgaria and the assembly of the structure was completed here. That is why it is popularly known as the ‘Iron Church’. Its interior decoration and acoustics are also quite impressive. And the entrance is free.
'A church like no other in the world!'
This gothic structure, built with iron parts manufactured in Vienna and transported over the Danube, stands out with its three domes. A masterpiece that combines history, art and engineering.
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