Christian Heritage · 3 sites
Some of the most important decisions in Christian history were made in what is now Turkey. Bishops gathered at Nicaea in 325 and at Ephesus in 431 to settle questions of faith that still shape the creeds of churches worldwide. For travellers drawn to theology and the early Church, these are essential places.
Plan your private tour3 sites
In the summer of 325, bishops from across the Roman world met at Nicaea and agreed the first form of the Nicene Creed, still recited in churches every Sunday. Today the town is İznik, ringed by its ancient walls on the shore of a peaceful lake. Visit Hagia Sophia of İznik, where a later council met in 787.
In 431, the Council of Ephesus met in this long church and declared Mary to be Theotokos, the Mother of God. Its walls and columns stand open to the sky at the edge of the ancient city. Stand in the nave and imagine the debates that shaped how Christians understand the nature of Christ.
On a hilltop near Antioch, St Simeon Stylites the Younger spent most of his life on top of a stone pillar, and pilgrims came from far and wide to hear him. The monastery that grew around the pillar is now an evocative ruin, with wide views to the Mediterranean.
Let's plan your holiday
Tick the sites that inspire you, here or from any other theme, tell us how many of you are travelling and how long you have. We will write a private itinerary just for you and send it by email with a personal price.
Choose the places you would love to see, how many of you are travelling and for how long.
We write a private programme just for you and email it with a personal price.
Change anything you like. We refine the programme with you until it feels just right.
Christian Heritage
7 sitesThe Seven Churches of RevelationThe seven communities of the Book of Revelation, all in western Turkey.
4 sitesBiblical Sites & the Journeys of St PaulAntioch, Tarsus and Perge, on the roads of the apostles.
6 sitesSacred Churches & Pilgrimage SitesThe House of the Virgin Mary, St Nicholas and the churches of Istanbul.
7 sitesCappadocia's Rock-Cut Churches & MonasteriesPainted cave churches and monasteries carved into volcanic rock.
5 sitesEastern Christian Heritage & Historic MonasteriesThe Syriac monasteries of Mardin and the Armenian churches of Lake Van.Ready when you are
Tell us which places you would like to see. We will design your private itinerary and send you a personal proposal.
Plan your trip