In the basement of the modern church is a spring whose waters have been sacred since well before Byzantine times (41.038461,28.942564). Pilgrims still come to partake of the healing water. The modern church is ugly from the outside but the interior, which is what matters, is a haven of peace and sanctity. The gardens are beautiful and there is a lovely Greek café on the corner outside the gate.
There was a massive Byzantine church here from 451 to 1434. It used to house the mantle and robe of the Virgin Mary and was considered by some to be the most holy site in Constantinople. There are some Byzantine bits in the courtyard that might come from the old church. The caretaker is taciturn but loves his church and will answer questions.
Immediately behind the present church is this section of vaulting, apparently from Blachernae Palace and possibly from the Byzantine church.
These two capitals are in the eccentric Church of the Holy Wisdom in Lower Kingswood, Surrey. They are said to be from the Byzantine Church of Blachernae.
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June 30th, 2014 at 12:38 pm
[…] Ayazma of Blachernae […]
November 25th, 2014 at 9:53 pm
[…] Pantepoptes Monastery and watched the movements of the Venetian fleet in the Golden Horn near the Church of St Mary of Blachernae. Constantius used contemporary accounts to place the Monastery of Christos Pantepoptes on the site […]