Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church, Istanbul - an incredibly ornate and beautiful building

While on vacation in Istanbul last month, we visited the Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Chruch. It was quite by accident, we just happened to notice its dome on the skyline while exploring Taksim Square, and made our way there.

It is a stunning building inside and out, and we were attracted to it because it was about the only church we saw in Istanbul. I'd also never been inside a Greek Orthodox church before.

It was entirely ornate inside - quite stunning. On the previous day, our tour guide explained to us that under Eastern Holy Roman Empire rule, when it was called Constantinople, the religious bias of the city was Greek Orthodox, with the western roman empire being catholic. Interestingly, Wikipedia says:

The Hagia Triada was the first domed Christian church that was allowed to be built in Istanbul after the Fall of Constantinople in 1453.

Construction finished on it in 1880, and its still an active church today.

I really liked the picture above. I've no idea who it is, but clearly, they are wearing Roman garb, so is a nod back to the eastern roman empire times. Possibly Constantine the Great or Justinian the 1st maybe ?

The sun was beaming the day we visited it, and I loved how it was shining through the stained glass windows - quite pretty indeed !

The marble floor was quite stunning.

The church had a beautiful garden surrounding it. I was quite surprised to see this orange/tangerine type tree (its something you simply dont see in the UK - its way too cold).

The central dome was very impressive, although I struggled to get a good picture of it due to the light shining in the windows that surround it at the top.

I also quite liked the marble lion above !

It really was quite a find considering that we simply stumbled upon it while wandering around the Beyoglu district.

A very interesting place to visit, it was simply stunning inside and out.

It was well worth the visit to this fairly historic church !