Holy Sites in Turkey

A masterpiece that served as cathedral, mosque, and museum across centuries.

The world's oldest known temple, predating Stonehenge by 6,000 years.

The reputed last home of the Virgin Mary near the ancient city of Ephesus.

Hundreds of rock-hewn churches with vivid Byzantine frescoes carved into Cappadocia's fairy chimneys.

A Greek Orthodox monastery clinging to a cliff face high above a forested valley in northeast Turkey.

The mausoleum of Rumi, the great Sufi poet, and former lodge of the Whirling Dervishes.

The Privy Chamber of Topkapi Palace houses Islam's most sacred relics, including the Prophet's mantle and sword.

The haunting ruins of a medieval Armenian capital, once called the 'City of 1,001 Churches.'

The church of St. Nicholas of Myra, the historical bishop who inspired Santa Claus.

Istanbul's holiest mosque, built at the reputed burial place of the Prophet Muhammad's standard-bearer.