The Church of Vlahernon was a Byzantine church famous with its holy spring. This church was a part of the growing emphasis on the cult of the Virgin Mary, which was connected to an effort to gather her relics in Constantinople. By the 7th century, the Church of Vlahernon was considered the most important house of the Virgin Mary in Constantinople because of the role played during the Siege of the city by both Avars and the Persians in 626. An icon from Vlahernon was believed to have protected the city which was held by the Patriarch himself around the city walls.
The Church burnt down twice throughout the ages. Second happened shortly before the fall of the city to Turks in 1453 after which only the Hagiasma survived. Today a humble Orthodox Church rests over the hagiasma and both the Church and the Hagiasma (the holy springs) is open to public.
I discovered the Church only by mere coincidence when I was on a tour in Balat. It is a delight to be in its garden, sitting in the cafe overlooking the Church with all its tranquility and visit the Church itself.
If you visit Balat during your stay in İstanbul, make sure to visit this secret gem associated with the Virgin Mary who had been the protector of ancient Constantinople for centuries. Don’t forget that it is in walking distance to the ferry station which you can reach via the boats that visit the neighbourhoods of the Golden Horn.
Lend an ear to this concert inside the Church by The Archdiocesan Youth Choir which visited the Church years ago!
Before you leave, don’t forget to have a sip of coffee and some deserts at the Cafe named Vassil Bey Coffee&Sweets inside the garden of the Church run by a Greek gentleman to feel the tranquility of the garden, unlike anything you can feel in modern İstanbul.
