St. Stephen’s Bulgarian Orthodox Church

St. Stephen's Bulgarian Orthodox Church, located in Balat in Istanbul, Turkey, is a beautiful example of Bulgarian-style ecclesiastical architecture dating back to the 19th century. The whitewashed stucco exterior has three massive domes, while a semi-circular entranceway is flanked by a pair of stone lions. Inside, the yellow-washed walls and detailed, frescoed iconostasis offer a glimpse into how the Bulgarian Orthodox Church decorated and worshipped in the nineteenth century. Numerous colorful, iconic frescoes depicting Bible stories line the walls, and the walls and domes are decorated with intricate paintings of bells, stars, and church hierarchs. A visit to St. Stephen's is sure to offer a unique look at the many beautiful aspects of the Bulgarian Orthodox world.