Balat–Fener Neighbourhood Walk
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A 4 km walk on the western shore of the Golden Horn from the Greek houses of Fener to the colourful lanes of Balat, then up to Chora inside the land walls. Patriarchate, the Red School, the Iron Church, antique shops, breakfast cafés and, at the last stop, the finest Byzantine mosaics. The slopes are steep but every corner is a photograph; have breakfast in Balat and end at Chora.
Route Stops
The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
Five minutes from Fener pier to the Patriarchate; visit the Church of St George quietly.
Fener (The area around the "Red School")
Climb Sancaktar Slope to the front of the Red School; photograph it with the Golden Horn behind you.
Fethiye Mosque (Pammakaristos)
Ten minutes towards Çarşamba; see the mosaic chapel if open, otherwise admire the brickwork outside.
Balat Streets.
Head down to Vodina Street for a late breakfast. Then lose an hour among the streets of coloured houses and the antique shops.
Ahrida Synagogue.
See the synagogue on Kürkçüçeşme Street from outside; if you have an appointment, the boat-shaped teva.
St. Stephen Bulgarian Church (also known as the Iron Church).
Drop to the shore for the Iron Church; a 15-minute pause in its garden facing the water.
Kariye Mosque (Chora)
A 25-minute climb or bus towards Edirnekapı; crown the walk with the mosaics and frescoes.
