Religious sites in Adalar

Historic Religious Sites

The Princes' Islands host a concentrated collection of religious architecture reflecting Istanbul’s multicultural history. This list spans the four main islands—Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kınalıada—highlighting prominent Greek Orthodox monasteries, Armenian apostolic churches, and late-Ottoman mosques. Key sites include the historic Halki Seminary on Heybeliada and the hilltop Aya Yorgi on Büyükada, which serves as a significant pilgrimage site. These structures represent centuries of Byzantine and Ottoman spiritual traditions preserved within the islands' quiet, car-free landscapes.

Historic Religious Sites — Map

A

Hagios Giorgios Church

Perched on the highest peak of Büyükada, this 18th-century monastery is a major pilgrimage site. Visitors traditionally walk the steep path uphill on April 23rd to make wishes.

B

Aya Nikola Manastırı

A Greek Orthodox monastery located on the eastern coast of Büyükada, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors.

C

Metamorphosis Manastırı

Situated on the Hill of Christ in Burgazada, this monastery was rebuilt in the 19th century on the ruins of a Byzantine structure.

D

Holy Trinity Monastery of Halki

Located on Heybeliada, this monastery is home to the Halki Seminary, which served as the primary theological school for the Ecumenical Patriarchate until 1971.

E

Aya Yani Kilisesi

This 19th-century church on Burgazada is built over a historic dungeon where the Byzantine Saint Methodius was once imprisoned.

F

Kinkor Ermeni Kilisesi

Also known as Surp Krikor Lusavoriç, this 1857 church on Kınalıada is the central place of worship for the island's Armenian community.

G

Hamidiye Mosque

Commissioned by Sultan Abdul Hamid II in 1895, this Büyükada mosque features a distinctive square minaret and neoclassical architectural details.

H

Nizam Camii

A modern mosque serving the local community in the Nizam neighborhood of Büyükada.

I

Burgazada Camii

Built in 1953 to mark the 500th anniversary of the Fall of Constantinople, this mosque is a prominent landmark on the Burgazada waterfront.

J

Heybeliada Camii

The central mosque of Heybeliada, located near the island's harbor and commercial center.

K

Skete of Saint Spyridon

A secluded seaside skete on Heybeliada, founded in the 19th century by a monk seeking solitude, featuring a small chapel and gardens.

L

Vaftizci Yahya Manastırı

A Greek Orthodox monastery on Heybeliada dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, known for its quiet courtyard and historic icons.

M

Greek Orthodox Monastery

Located on the highest point of Kınalıada, this monastery houses remains of Byzantine-era structures and offers panoramic views of the Marmara Sea.

N

Aya Nikola Rum Ortodoks Kilisesi

A 19th-century Greek Orthodox church on Heybeliada, featuring traditional architecture and dedicated to the patron saint of sailors.

O

Hacı Havva Özen Camii

A neighborhood mosque on Büyükada providing a place of worship for the local Muslim population.

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