Aya Yorgi Church

Aya Yorgi Church was founded in 1751, according to Patriarchate documents. The former church, a modest two-story tiled structure with a small church, shrine, and prayer area, is known as the old church. The Aya Yorgi Church, on the other hand, is a modern structure on the hill that was constructed of face stone in 1905 and first used in 1909.

Visitors to Aya Yorgi Church are there to pray and make a wish. They remove their shoes at the beginning of the path leading to the church, catch a whistle, and never talk for the duration of the journey. It is often claimed that anyone who ties ropes to bushes and walks down the path with a reel rope will have their wishes granted. The "way of torture" is another name for this uphill lane. The origins of this custom can be traced back to a biblical myth.

History of Aya Yorgi

The island was under siege by the Greeks during the Byzantine period, according to legend. The icons and religious artifacts in the church of Aya Yorgi were buried in the earth by the priests in order to save them. After several years, a shepherd on the island had a dream in which he saw Aya Yorgi. Aya Yorgi instructed the shepherd in his dream to ascend the path leading to the church and pause and dig when he hears bells. After a few days of this dream repeating itself, the shepherd ascended the path to the church barefoot and never spoke. When he arrived at the church, he heard a bell, just as Aya Yorgi had predicted in his dream. He started searching and discovered the religious symbols and idols that had been buried undamaged. Half-pilgrims are thought to be those who can ascend the "road of suffering" barefoot and without saying.

Visit Hagia Yorgi Church

You'll meet a lot of interesting people along the way, particularly if you go to the church on the 23rd or 24th of April or September. People of various faiths and nationalities gather to worship, socialize, and enjoy themselves. It's difficult not to get lost in the culture of this city, even though you're not religious. 

The Buyukada Aya Yorgi Church can be reached after a 15-minute stroll. The front door has a sign reminding you to be quiet and dress accordingly. About the fact that the church is not particularly large, it contains many fascinating symbols, motifs, sculptures, and religious monuments.

The icon depicting Aya Yorgi slaying the demon that emerges from the sea with his spear is the one that attracts the most interest. The symbol created by Aya Yorgi also draws a lot of interest. People leave a variety of presents, such as roses, in front of this icon to express their gratitude to Aya Yorgi. 

The stunning view of the Marmara Sea from outside the church would captivate you. The Yucetepe Kir Gazinosu café, which is located next to the church, is the main attraction. It is owned by a local Turkish family and offers excellent food as well as one of Istanbul's best views.

How to Go To Aya Yorgi Church

You must first travel to Buyukada. Since the island is so famous, ferries depart from a variety of Istanbul stations, including Besiktas, Bostanci, Sirkeci, Kartal, Buyuk Cekmece, Bakirkoy, Eminonu, Kadikoy, Kabatas, Yalova, Avcilar, Karakoy, and Yesilkoy. 

To get to the church, you'll need to hire a bicycle once you arrive in Buyukada. Since it is on the highest point on the island, nearly everybody knows where it is, even if you don't have a Princes Islands tour guide, you can ask around for directions. 

The Aya Yogi Church is open every day of the week from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Sundays, where it is open from 9 a.m. to 12.15 p.m.

Visit Buyukada with Istanbul Tourist Pass!

Istanbul Tourist Pass grants access to 85+ attractions, including services! One of the services covers a ferry trip to Princes Islands. This way, you can go to Buyukada and visit Aya Yorgi Church. Do not forget to check other advantages and attractions in Istanbul that come with Istanbul Tourist Pass, such as Bosphorus Dinner Cruise, Whirling Dervishes Show and many more on our website!