Christian Pilgrimages and Biblical Tours in Turkey

Pilgrimages

Turkey is home to some of the most important sites in Christian history. From Ephesus, where St. Paul preached, to the Seven Churches of Revelation and the hidden cave churches of Cappadocia, the country guarantees a journey through the stories of the Bible. Visitors can join guided pilgrimages or choose private, tailor-made tours to explore these sacred places at their own pace, walking in the footsteps of early Christians and discovering the deep spiritual heritage of this land.

Topkapı Palace Relics

Within Topkapı Palace’s halls lie relics bridging three Abrahamic faiths, including Abraham's Pot, Joseph's Turban, the Staff of Moses, David's Sword, and scrolls of John the Baptist. These treasures reflect humanity's common search for the divine, preserved in the glory of Ottoman craftsmanship.

Şanlıurfa

A city of history and religious lore, is believed to be the birthplace of Abraham. Linked to the ancient city of Urhay, it hosts significant sites such as the Cave of Abraham, where divine intervention saved him from a fiery death, and the Pools of Abraham, where fire transformed into water, giving rise to sacred fish.

House of Virgin Mary (Ephesus) - A pilgrimage site where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her final days.

The Seven Churches of Revelation

This Biblical tour to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea stand as ancient guards of faith, embodying the enduring spirit of early Christianity. Their ruins prove scripture, resilience, and timeless devotion.

Saint Paul's Missionary Journey

Following Saint Paul’s footsteps through Anatolia, where his words carved pathways of belief, is an awe-inspiring encounter. Each stop reflects a fiery zeal that shaped Christianity’s enduring story.

Holy Christian Places to Visit in Turkey

• The grand city of Ephesus (Efes), home to the Temple of Artemis, later became a major centre of early Christianity. The House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi) and the Basilica of St. John (Aziz John bazilikası) are deeply connected to the faith’s formative years. The city hosted the Council of Ephesus (Birinci Efes Konsülü) in 431 AD, a landmark event in the history of Christianity.
• One of Christianity’s earliest hubs, Antioch (Antakya) is where followers of Jesus Christ were first called "Christians." The city’s Church of St. Peter (Aziz Petrus Kilisesi) is considered one of the oldest Christian worship sites in the world.
• Tarsus, just 25 kilometres away from Mersin, a storied city with roots stretching back 7,000 years, stands where history, faith, and flavours collide. Birthplace of St. Paul the Apostle and resting place of Prophet Daniel, it summons tales of Christianity and Islam. Its mosques and markets discern the Ottoman brilliance, while Roman roads and ancient wells invite reflection.
• In the heart of ancient Nicaea, now known as İznik, stands the venerable Church of Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya). This sacred construction, which hosted the momentous Seventh Ecumenical Council of 787, traces its origins to the twilight of the 5th century, when it emerged as a Byzantine basilica of noble design. Its architecture boasts a three-sided apse, a vestibule of modest dignity, a southeastern chapel, and galleries. In 1065, disaster struck when a devastating earthquake damaged the structure, leaving marks on its old stones. The lower walls, made of sturdy stone blocks, show its Roman origins, while the upper sections, built with simple bricks, reflect the efforts of later builders to protect its holiness.
• The Surp Krikor Lusavoriç Church (Kayseri Surp Krikor Lusavoriç Ermeni Kilisesi), the first known Armenian church in Kayseri, dates back to 1191. Rebuilt in 1859 by Kevork Ağa Mındigyan, a tradesman, with support from the local community. It served as a public place of worship, unlike the aristocratic Surp Asdvadzadzin and Surp Sarkis churches. Renovated in 1996 and 2009, it remains the sole Armenian church in Central Anatolia and a spiritual centre for the region's Christian Armenian community.
• Cathedral of Ani (Ani Katedrali) in Kars - A hauntingly beautiful mediaeval Armenian cathedral in the City of 1,001 Churches."
• Mor Hananyo Monastery (Deyrüzzaferân Manastırı) (Mardin) - A historic Syriac Orthodox monastery with ancient roots in Mesopotamia.
• Sumela Monastery (Sümela Manastırı) in Trabzon - A cliffside Greek Orthodox monastery with breathtaking views.
• Saint Nicholas Church (Aya Nikola Kilisesi) in Demre - Believed to be the burial site of Saint Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Claus (Noel Baba).
• Church of St. Saviour of Chora (Azize Kurtarıcı Hora Kilisesi) converted as a mosque (Kariye Camii) in Istanbul.
• Church of St. Irene (Aya İrini): a Greek Orthodox worship site located in one of the courtyards of Topkapı Palace (Istanbul).

Must-see Christian sites in Cappadocia

Renowned for its surreal landscapes, Cappadocia (Kapadokya) features hundreds of cave churches, including the church in the underground city of Derinkuyu (Derinkuyu Yeraltı Şehri), more than 200 rock-carved churches in Göreme, over 20 churches along Soğanlı Valley (Soğanlı mahallesi), and relatively modern Christian sites above the ground, too.

• Dating back to the 7th century BC, Derinkuyu Underground City in Cappadocia, a vast network of tunnels and chambers, housed up to 20,000 people, including a clover-shaped church linked to Turkey’s religious history, showcasing a blend of survival, faith traditions, and early ingenuity in Turkey's diverse religious demographics. Here the early Christians pushed large stone wheels down to protect their sacred land.
• Carved into the cliffs of Cappadocia, the Church of St. John the Baptist (Vaftizci Yahya kilisesi) is one of Turkey’s oldest cave churches, dating back to the early 500s AD. Its unique architecture, rare frescoes, and a crypt that once housed sacred relics make it a remarkable site tied to early Christianity and Turkey’s religious history.
• Soğanlı Valley, southeast of Nevşehir, features 10th- and 11th-century cave churches and courtyard monasteries, competing with Göreme and Ihlara Valley in historic and natural allure. This ancient rock-cut village spotlights Roman-era tombs, pigeon houses, and over 20 churches, with highlights including St. Barbara Church (Azize Barbara Kilisesi), Geyikli Monastery (Geyikli Kilise), Karabaş Church (Karabaş Kilisi), Domed Churches (Kubbeli Kiliseler) , and Hidden Church (Saklı Kilesi). Visitors can explore Karabaş and Snake Churches ((Yılanlı Kilise) along one creek and Geyikli and St. Barbara Churches along the other. The valley’s serene landscape, shaped by two creeks, invites peaceful hikes among relics of early Christianity, making it an unforgettable journey into Turkey’s religious history and culture.
• Another exemplary landmark in Cappadocia, Göreme contains more than 200 rock-engraved churches, captivating with its spiritual and artistic legacy. These Byzantine-era temples, carved into volcanic rock, house exquisite frescoes that narrate biblical tales. Buckle Church (Tokalı Kilise), the largest, dazzles with vivid scenes of Christ’s life, while the Apple Church (Elmalı Kilise)’s symbolic frescoes grace its central dome. Azize Barbara Kilisesi honours a martyred saint with geometric motifs, and Yılanlı Kilise showcases Saint George’s legendary battle.
• Divided into two groups, the first part of Ihlara Valley (Ihlara Vadisi) churches features Cappadocian-style frescoes with Persian and Syrian elements. Highlights include Ağaçaltı Church (Ağaçaltı Kilisesi), with its Ascension frescoes; Yılanlı Kilise, named after its vivid depictions of sinners gripped by serpents; and Hyacinth Church (Sümbüllü Kilise), showcasing frescoes of Constantine VII. Near Belisırma village, the second group embodies Byzantine art of the 10th–11th centuries. Notable examples include Column Church (Direkli Kilise), adorned with saintly portraits, and St. George Church (Kırkdamaltı Kilisesi), where frescoes narrate a unique coexistence between Christians and Seljuks.