Ayios Polieuktos Church - Free Audio Guide

The Church of Ayios Polieuktos (Ayios Polieuktos Kilisesi) in Istanbul is an early Byzantine ecclesiastical monument, traditionally associated with the aristocrat Anicia Juliana and commonly dated to the early sixth century. Dedicated to Saint Polyeuctus, it was distinguished by an ambitious scale and sumptuous sculptural and mosaic ornamentation that reflected elite private patronage and at times rivalled contemporary imperial foundations. Archaeological fragments, foundations and reused architectural elements survive within the historic peninsula of Constantinople (modern Istanbul) and have contributed to scholarship on Byzantine art, urban form and the relationship between private benefaction and imperial building programmes. The site is culturally significant for demonstrating elite female patronage and for shedding light on early Byzantine liturgical architecture. Practical matters such as visiting hours, admission charges and accessibility are managed locally and may change.