Hagia Irene (Aya Irini)

Hagia Irene, or Aya Irini, stands as a testament to the 6th-century Byzantine era in Istanbul. Originally the first church built in Constantinople, it uniquely escaped conversion into a mosque during the Ottoman period, preserving its original Byzantine architecture. The building’s interior, with its soaring dome and peaked ceilings, continues to impress visitors. Today, Hagia Irene functions as a museum, offering a glimpse into the rich historical and architectural heritage of the Byzantine Empire.