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Agia Triada Greek Orthodox Church (Holy Trinity / Ιερός Ναός Αγίας Τριάδος / Aya Triada Rum Ortodoks Kilisesi) is located just off Istiklal Street near Taksim Square. It’s the largest Greek Orthodox church in Istanbul and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Beyoğlu district.
History
Agia Triada was built between 1876 and 1880 on the grounds of a former Greek hospital and cemetery. The architect who started construction was Potessaro and it was completed by either Patroklos Kampanaki or Vassilaki Ioannidis.
Thanks to Tanzimat reforms from 1839 to 1876, Agia Triada was the first domed church to be built in Constantinople since Byzantine times. Sakellarios Megaklis painted and decorated the interior while sculptor Alexandros Krikelis created marble works.
On September 6-7, 1955, the church was pillaged during the Istanbul pogrom. It withstood an arson attack by rioters trying to light it on fire with kerosene. Priests refuse to clean surrounding buildings on the property blackened by the attack so the riots will be remembered.
Visiting
The church is used daily by the small community that remains in the area. If it’s open, it’s definitely worth popping inside. Usually, only the narthex is open, where visitors can light a candle and see some of the icons on display.
If the church is closed and the caretaker is around, you can ask to be let inside. The only times I visited the interior were during Easter in 2011 and for Sunday services.
