Chora Mosque (Kariye)

Chora Museum was originally built as a church in the 4th century; the current structure dates to 1077–81. In the 14th century Theodore Metochites endowed it with the mosaics and frescoes it is famous for.

The mosaics and frescoes are considered the pinnacle of late Byzantine art. Scenes from the lives of Mary and Christ cover the walls in tiers — the most important collection of its kind after Hagia Sophia.

Chora attracts fewer visitors than Sultanahmet — an advantage. It stands next to the city walls, slightly north of the Fener-Balat neighbourhood.