Ayios Polieuktos Church - Free Audio Guide

The Church of Ayios Polieuktos (Ayios Polieuktos Kilisesi) in Istanbul is an early Byzantine ecclesiastical monument, traditionally attributed to the aristocrat Anicia Juliana and generally dated to the early sixth century. Dedicated to Saint Polyeuctus, it was notable for an ambitious scale and rich sculptural and mosaic decoration that reflected elite private patronage and at times rivaled contemporary imperial foundations. Remains survive within the historic peninsula of Constantinople (modern Istanbul) as archaeological fragments, foundations and reused architectural elements that have informed scholarship on Byzantine art, urban topography and the interaction between private and imperial building programs. The site is culturally significant for evidence of elite female patronage and for illuminating early Byzantine liturgical architecture. Practical details such as visiting hours, admission fees and accessibility are subject to local management and may vary over time.