Aya Yorgi Monastery

Aya Yorgi Monastery, of which official name is Aghios Gheorghios Monastery and Church, is located within the borders of Büyükada in the Adalar district of Istanbul. The bell tower at the top of Aya Yorgi Monastery, of which construction dates back to 1751, is the most remarkable part of the structure. Moreover, Aya Yorgi Monastery was rebuilt in 1905 and opened for service in 1909 and was entirely made of cut stone.

Aghios Georgios Greek Orthodox Church had been standing in the present location of Aya Yorgi Monastery that was built on the highest hill of Büyükada and offers magnificent views every period of the year. According to rumors, Aya Yorgi Monastery, which was built in 963 after Byzantine Emperor Nikiforos Fokas period, is also referred to as “Kodono – Koudonas” in some sources. You can easily reach to the monastery, which is also called Aya Yorgi Kudunas (Çıngırakçı) Monastery, by sea taxis from the point such as Bostancı, Avcılar, Kabataş, Eminönü and Kartal piers.

The monastery, which has a perfect location on Yüce Tepe known as the southernmost and highest point of Büyükada, consists of places of worship and six separate churches spread over three different floors. There is original icon of Hagios Georgios Koudonas completely covered with silver on the inner wall of Aya Yorgi Monastery, where there are pointiff house and the main church of St. Georger on the ground floor.

Various religious ceremonies specific to 23 April St. Georger’s Day are still held at Aya Yorgi Monastery, where the holy spring is located in the room you will first encounter below the stairs. Aya Yorgi Monastery giving you pleasure with magnificent islands and Marmara Sea view of Yüce Tepe, is one of the places to visit in Büyükada.