Destination
Aya Yorgi Rum Manastiri / Yücetepe
The Aya Yorgi Greek Orthodox Monastery is a historic site located at the highest point of Büyükada. Built in 963 AD, it is dedicated to Saint Georgios.
Aya Yorgi Rum Manastiri / Yücetepe and 6 places around it
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Highlights
- History
- Culture
- Nature
Good for
- History lovers
- Families
- Hiking
Suggested visit:120 minutes
At the highest hill of Büyükada, the largest and perhaps the most beautiful of the Istanbul islands, there is the Agios Georgios Greek Orthodox Monastery, known among the people by the name Aya Yorgi. This monastery takes its name from Saint Georgios, an Anatolian (Cappadocian) officer in the Roman army, who was martyred by pagans because of his Christian faith in the IIIrd century A.D., and whose tomb is today in Palestine. According to current accounts, the monastery has a history of more than a thousand years and was built in 963 A.D. during the time of the Byzantine Emperor Nikephoros Phokas.
The miraculous icon of Aya Yorgi was gifted by the Women's Monastery of Empress Irene on Büyükada. In the gold-sealed decree dated 1158 of the Byzantine Emperor Manuel Komnenos, the Istanbul Islands and the monasteries there are mentioned, and among them the name Kodono also appears. According to the 19th century historian Manuil Gedeon, this name is none other than the Aya Yorgi Kudunas (Bellringer) Monastery on Büyükada.
Places to Visit in Istanbul Address: Büyükada Adalar İstanbul
At a glance
- Type
- monastery
- Built / founded
- 963
Last updated: 23 October 2026
Location and surroundings
Aya Yorgi Rum Manastiri / Yücetepe sits within Adalar, İstanbul. The toroti catalogue holds 92 described stops across İstanbul, 2 of them in Adalar.
The nearest stop is Adalar Müzesi, 970 m to the northeast. Another 6 catalogued points lie within a 30 km radius.
The Istanbul – Bursa route passes 19 km away, so this works as a stop along the drive.
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Frequently asked
- What is Aya Yorgi Rum Manastiri / Yücetepe?
- The Aya Yorgi Greek Orthodox Monastery is a historic site located at the highest point of Büyükada. Built in 963 AD, it is dedicated to Saint Georgios.
- Where is Aya Yorgi Rum Manastiri / Yücetepe?
- Aya Yorgi Rum Manastiri / Yücetepe is in Adalar, İstanbul.
- How long does it take to visit Aya Yorgi Rum Manastiri / Yücetepe?
- The suggested visit time for Aya Yorgi Rum Manastiri / Yücetepe is about 120 minutes.
- What else is there to see near Aya Yorgi Rum Manastiri / Yücetepe?
- toroti’s catalogue holds other destinations within 30 km of Aya Yorgi Rum Manastiri / Yücetepe; the closest are Adalar Müzesi, İstanbul Oyuncak Müzesi, Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü Müzesi.
- Is Aya Yorgi Rum Manastiri / Yücetepe on the way anywhere, and which route?
- Aya Yorgi Rum Manastiri / Yücetepe lies 19 km from the Istanbul – Bursa route, close enough to add to that drive with a short detour.