Istanbul is a beautiful city drenched in history and considered a capital of culture and art. Alongside the magnificent mosques, there is a breath is a beautiful city drenched in history and considered a capital of culture and art. Alongside taking array of churches that should be added to our tours .With Christianity in Istanbul dating back to the fourth century, the Christian population of Turkey is estimated at more than 160,000. These include Roman Catholics of varying ethnicities, ethnic Assyrians, Greek Orthodox and a small number of Bulgarians, Georgians and Protestants of various background. Here is a list of some of the most-visited and widely-known churches in Istanbul that are worth a visit.

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church is located on the famous İstiklal Avenue in Beyoğlualternatively known as Sant'Antonio di Padova Church, is an Italian Neo-Gothic-style church built between 1906 and 1912. Being the largest and most important of the Roman Catholic churches in Istanbul, this church has the largest community attending its masses. With its red brick exterior and phenomenal interior design, St. Anthony of Padua is sure to take your breath away. 

St. Eirene, otherwise known as Hagia Irene, meaning Holy Peace in English and Aya Irini in Turkish, is a former Eastern Orthodox Church located in the courtyard of Topkapı Palace. This fascinating church was the first church built in Constantinople. The Roman Emperor Constantine I commissioned the first Hagia Irene Church in the fourth century.

The Church of St. George is the main Greek Orthodox cathedral still in use in Istanbul today. Dating back to 1836, this church is part of the Greek Patriarchate, a compound of buildings nestled behind the historic sea walls fronting the Golden Horn. Inside are artifacts, including Byzantine mosaics, religious relics and a wood and inlay patriarchal throne. 

The Bulgarian St. Stephen Church, also known as the Bulgarian Iron Church because of its famous cast iron exterior, belongs to the Bulgarian minority in Istanbul. Completed in 1898, the richly ornamented church is a three-domed cross-shaped basilica. The altar faces the Golden Horn, and six bells that were cast in Yaroslavl, rise above the narthex.

Istanbul is famous for its Mosques and Ottoman architecture.  As the capital of the Ottoman Empire since 1453 and the largest city in Turkey, Istanbul is home to over 3000 mosques.  This makes it overwhelming to decide which ones to visit, but here are 4 of the most important mosques to see based on their architectural character and historical context.

The Blue Mosque was built in the 17th century by Sultan Ahmet I. Blue name came from its beautiful blue tiles interior. It is the only mosque with six minarets. The Blue Mosque is one most popular tourist sights in Istanbul.

Suleymaniye Mosque was built in honor of the magnificent Sultan Suleyman by the famous architect Sinan between the year 1550-1557. The decoration of the mosque is outstanding with colored tiles, stained glass windows and antique columns.

Eyup Mosque is located over the tomb of Eyup, the bearer of the Prophet Mohammed, who died during the siege of Istanbul in the year of 670. There is also a beautiful cemetery and tourist facilities by the mosque.

The Fatih Mosque is named after the Fatih Sultan Mehmet, the conqueror of Istanbul and was built in 1463, 10 years after the Sultan's conquest of Istanbul. It is a mosque of monumental proportions with its dependencies that include a hospice, medrese, hospital, caravanserai, library and baths.