Kariye Museum

Originally an 11th-century church (and sometimes still referred to as Chora Church) this contains Istanbul's finest Byzantine mosaics, as well as superb 14th-century religious frescoes. Although converted to a mosque after the Conquest, the mosaics were merely whitewashed over, and have been preserved for display in what is now a secular museum.

Kariye Camii Sokak, EdirnekapiTel: (0212) 631 9241.Opening hours: Thurs-Tues 0930-1630.Admission charge.