Church of the Holy Apostles, Istanbul

The Church of the Holy Apostles present in Istanbul was at one time, one of the most important churches in Christendom. Even though the church no longer survives, its site is worth a visit for its great historical significance.

The church was originally built by Constantine the Great and later, it was also rebuilt by Emperor Justinian I. It was the burial place of great Byzantine Emperors and also the Patriarchs of Constantinople from the fourth century to the eleventh century. The relics of Saints Luke, Andrews, Timothy, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom were housed in the church, but unfortunately it was plundered during the Crusades and most of the relics were lost. A severe earthquake also toppled the great church, and during the Ottoman rule, the Fatih Mosque (Conquerors Mosque) was built over the site of the church.

Today, the remains of the church can be seen at the site of the Fatih Mosque, and some of the material has been reused in the construction of the mosque. Some column pieces and stone blocks have also been identified in the courtyard of the mosque as originally belonging to the Church of the Holy Apostles.