Tour of the Fener & Balat Neighborhoods

Are you interested in discovering Istanbul's most colorful neighborhoods? On this tour of Fener and Balat, you'll explore these historic and charming neighborhoods.

Tour Details

At the designated time, we'll meet at the Fener bus stop to begin this tour of the neighborhoods of Fener and Balat. Various nationalities, including Greeks, Armenians, Jews, and Bulgarians, have lived here throughout history, witnessing significant events. This tour uncovers the rich history hidden within their streets.

Our first stop will be at the Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople, originating from Hagia Sophia, which serves as the official site for the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. This figure holds great importance within the Orthodox Church.

Next, we'll visit the Phanar Greek Orthodox College, symbolizing the resilience of the Greek community in Istanbul. Following this, we will see the Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols, the oldest active Orthodox Church in Istanbul, and the colorful stairs of Balat for a picture opportunity.

Afterward, we'll stop at the Palace of Dimitrie Cantemir, reflecting the multicultural history of the area. We will then visit the Panagia Paramythia Church, showcasing the last remaining parts of this Orthodox site.

Continuing, we will walk among the colored houses of Balat, ideal for photography. Our tour concludes at the Church of Sveti Stefan, also known as the Iron Church, a notable creation by the Bulgarian community. This tour lasts three hours, highlighting the rich history and cultural diversity of these neighborhoods.