Hi! Today I suggest we continue our acquaintance with the iconic buildings of ancient Istanbul. This time we will look at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, located in one of the most popular tourist areas of the city.
![Church of the Holy Trinity (Hagia Trias) in Istanbul](/sites/default/files/user_images/travel/turkish/istanbul/2023/istanbul_troic/DSC03135.jpg)
![Sign at the entrance](/sites/default/files/user_images/travel/turkish/istanbul/2023/istanbul_troic/DSC03131.jpg)
![On the territory of the complex](/sites/default/files/user_images/travel/turkish/istanbul/2023/istanbul_troic/DSC03132.jpg)
A bit of history
The Greek Church of the Holy Trinity (Hagia Trias) is considered the largest Orthodox church in Istanbul. In two city guidebooks, I discovered the names of two different architects who were involved in designing the church building. Nevertheless, both sources agree on the construction date of the structure, which is 1880.
![The church was built in 1880](/sites/default/files/user_images/travel/turkish/istanbul/2023/istanbul_troic/DSC03138.jpg)
![One of the towers](/sites/default/files/user_images/travel/turkish/istanbul/2023/istanbul_troic/DSC03140.jpg)
![Nativity scene](/sites/default/files/user_images/travel/turkish/istanbul/2023/istanbul_troic/DSC03142.jpg)
One notable feature of the church building is its two tall towers, located on its eastern side. If we approach the church from its main entrance, we cannot see the large dome that crowns the structure. Interestingly, this is one of the first buildings in Istanbul that was constructed after the lifting of the ban on building domes in all buildings except mosques.
![The Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity is considered the largest Orthodox temple in Istanbul](/sites/default/files/user_images/travel/turkish/istanbul/2023/istanbul_troic/DSC03143.jpg)
![Interior of the building](/sites/default/files/user_images/travel/turkish/istanbul/2023/istanbul_troic/DSC03145.jpg)
![Dome](/sites/default/files/user_images/travel/turkish/istanbul/2023/istanbul_troic/DSC03146.jpg)
Thanks to the rays of sunlight that penetrate through the round stained-glass windows, the interiors of the church's main hall look very interesting. Such openings, often found in Gothic architecture, are called Rose windows. Even though the church is active, there were very few people here during my visit.
![In two city guides, I found the names of two different architects who were involved in designing the church building](/sites/default/files/user_images/travel/turkish/istanbul/2023/istanbul_troic/DSC03150.jpg)
![Stained glass window](/sites/default/files/user_images/travel/turkish/istanbul/2023/istanbul_troic/DSC03152.jpg)
![Bright spots](/sites/default/files/user_images/travel/turkish/istanbul/2023/istanbul_troic/DSC03153.jpg)
The church is located just a few minutes' walk from the major transportation hub Taksim. Here, there is an exit from the metro station and funicular of the same name, and nearby passes the line of the famous historical tram of Istanbul.
I came across information that the church is only open during religious services, which are held on Sunday mornings. I visited here on a Monday, and on this day the building was also available for visits.
![I came across information that the church is only open during the worship services held on Sunday mornings](/sites/default/files/user_images/travel/turkish/istanbul/2023/istanbul_troic/DSC03151.jpg)
![Window](/sites/default/files/user_images/travel/turkish/istanbul/2023/istanbul_troic/DSC03154.jpg)
![Interior details](/sites/default/files/user_images/travel/turkish/istanbul/2023/istanbul_troic/DSC03156.jpg)
Not far from the church building runs the popular tourist street, Istiklal. Architecture enthusiasts can take a stroll along it to continue their acquaintance with the architecture of ancient Istanbul. Among the most notable buildings in this area, I would include another iconic structure, the St Antony`s Cathedral. It is in the southern part of this famous pedestrian zone.
Have a nice trip!