St. Irene Church for the first time was constructed over the remains of Afrodite Temple during the early 4th century AD. It took its last form after being destroyed by ustinian in 532. Before St. Sofia was constructed, the secound Ecumenical Council was held here in 381. It kept its importance as being the secound largest church after the construction of St. Sofia. St. Irene Church, with a cross plan, is the only Byzantine church in Istanbul whose atrium has survived. The mosaics of the church have the influence of Iconoclastic period (726-841). The bulding was used as an arsenal by Ottomans between the 15th - 18th centuries. From 1846 on it served as an Archeological Museum. Today, St. Irene Church is used for classical music concerts due to its excellent acoustics. You can visit the church only by a permission.
|
