Saint Polycarp Church
Overview
Located in Konak district, Akdeniz District, at the intersection of Gazi Osman Paşa Boulevard, Necatibey Boulevard and Kazım Dirik Street, this church, one of the oldest buildings in Izmir, has witnessed important events and personalities throughout its history. The church lived between 69-155 AD and was built by the Bishop of Izmir, St. It was dedicated to Polycarp. St. Polycarp was one of St. John's first students and was later canonized. Despite the pressure exerted by the Roman administrators to dissuade him from his belief, Polycarp did not give up his belief and for this reason he was burned to death in the Roman Stadium on the outskirts of Kadifekale on February 23, 155.
The name of today's church was given in 1625 with the permission of Sultan Suleiman. The church was repaired after the great fire in 1680, and then it was restored in 1775 with the permission of the Ottoman authorities and the support of Louis 16, and took the form of a three-naved basilica. During the restoration process between 1892 and 1898, the building was expanded and decorated with chapels. Raymond C. Pere, a young French artist, painter and architect who lived in Izmir at the end of the last century, was born in St. He reflected Polycarp's life story on the frescoes inside the church.
Contact Info
Opening Hours
Monday | 15:00 - 17.00 |
Tuesday | 15:00 - 17.00 |
Wednesday | 15:00 - 17.00 |
Thursday | 15:00 - 17.00 |
Friday | 15:00 - 17.00 |
Saturday | 15:00 - 17.00 |
Sunday | Closed |