Kariye Mosque tickets cost 20 euros for foreign visitors. The fee started on 19 August 2024, according to Türkiye Today. The building, also called the Chora Church, is a working mosque again, so tourist visits follow prayer times. Reports say it opens six days a week from 09:00 to 18:00 and closes to tourists on Fridays. We found no official page to confirm today’s hours, so check on the day.
Last checked: 26 October 2026. The fee and hours come from August 2024 reporting. We did not find a newer official notice, and we could not confirm where to buy tickets or whether the Museum Card works here.
Kariye Mosque tickets and hours
| Item | What reports say |
|---|---|
| — | — |
| Foreign visitor fee | 20 euros, from 19 August 2024 |
| Opening | Six days a week, 09:00 to 18:00 |
| Friday | Reserved for worship and closed to tourists |
| Prayer times | Tourist entry stops 15 minutes before each prayer. Worshippers can enter free. |
| Ownership | The General Directorate of Foundations manages the site under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism |
These details come from a Türkiye Today report. It does not explain how to buy tickets, so ask at the entrance.
Why this building matters
The Chora Church is known for its Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. It served as a church, then a mosque, then a museum, and it reopened for worship on 6 May 2024. Because it works as a mosque, the rules differ from a museum. Dress modestly, remove your shoes and keep your voice low. Our Blue Mosque dress code guide explains what to wear.
What to expect inside
We did not find an official description of the current visitor route. Mosaics and frescoes were the main attraction in the museum years. Since the building returned to worship, access to parts of it may differ. Ask staff what you can see on the day and avoid photography during prayer.
How to plan your visit
- Check prayer times and leave a margin. Entry stops 15 minutes before each prayer, so arrive early.
- Avoid Fridays.
- Bring a scarf if you wish to cover your hair, and wear clothes covering shoulders and knees.
- Carry euros or a card, and ask about payment methods at the entrance.
- Combine it with other sights: our Golden Horn guide and Balat and Fener walking guide cover nearby areas.
For comparison with other paid sights, see our Hagia Sophia tickets guide, and our Museum Pass guide.
What we do not know
- Whether the Museum Card works here.
- Whether the fee or hours changed after August 2024.
- How online tickets are sold, if at all.
Check the Ministry of Culture and Tourism site, muze.gov.tr, or the entrance sign before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kariye Mosque free to enter?
Worshippers enter free. Foreign tourists pay 20 euros, according to the 2024 report.
Is the Kariye Mosque open on Friday?
Reports say Friday is reserved for worship and closed to tourists.
Is the Chora Church the same as the Kariye Mosque?
Yes. Kariye is the Turkish name and Chora is the Byzantine name of the same building.
How we wrote this guide: we used the news report linked above and kept only what it supports. We use AI tools to help research and draft, and an editor reviews each guide. See our Editorial Policy. Spotted an error? Use the contact page.
