Ayios Demetrios Church – Büyükada
Ayios Demetrios Church, the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Istanbul Islands, is dedicated to Saint Demetrios, the patron saint of Büyükada. The church was inaugurated in 1856 under the administration of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and was designed by the architect Fistiki (Fistikos) Kalfa.

Built in a traditional basilica style, the church features elegant architectural details. Its courtyard is marked by a distinctive onion-domed wooden bell tower, contributing to the building’s striking silhouette. Inside, the central nave is dedicated to Saint Demetrios, while the side naves honor Ayios Pandeleimon and Profiti Ilias (Prophet Elijah). Above the main entrance, a marble relief of Saint Demetrios adorns the façade.

Ayios Demetrios Church remains one of Büyükada’s most significant landmarks, valued both for its religious importance and architectural heritage.