Constantinople History Tour of Sacred Sites

Your tour will begin with a ride from the accommodation, first stop will be the Church of St. Irene (“Divine Peace”) which was the main church of Constantinople before the construction of Hagia Sophia. The Church was dedicated to “Divine Peace” following Constantine’s victory after eighteen years of war as he fought for power and peace in the empire.

Continue with the the Metochions of St. Panteleimon, which was built at the end of the XIX century in Istanbul to represent monastery of the same names on Mount Athos. Currently the church of St. Panteleimon conducts regular services and Sunday services attract Orthodox worshippers from across Turkey. One of the main sacred objects in the church is the icon of the Virgin Mary (Vladimirskaya) related to a miracle that occurred in 1891 to Mitrofaniya. Another is an icon of the St. Panteleimon that was written in 1898 at the St. Panteleimon Monastery on Mount Athos specifically for this church. The Athos Metochion has always kept alive the traditions of the Holy Mountain by offering help and consolation to all those in need.

Then you drive with your guide to the Monastery of Stoudios which is known for a particular type of asceticism where the monks performed thanks continuously throughout the entire day in its church. It had a significant impact in the empire and its opinions were considered by patriarchs and emperors with a statute that was subsequently adopted by Athos and other orthodox monasteries around the world being written here.

The final point visited on your tour is the Church of Constantinople which was built in memory of a spring and the miraculous events of healing from serious ailments that occurred there. To this day many people suffering from illnesses go to the spring hoping for the mercy of the Virgin Mary who with her love will attend to their prayers. After all you will drive back to your accommodation by coach.