St. Polycarp Church
Sen Polikarp Kilisesi
İzmir's oldest Catholic church, commemorating Bishop Polycarp, a martyr of Smyrna, and a pilgrimage site among the Seven Churches of Revelation.
The church was built in 1625 with permission granted by the Ottoman sultan to the French, to commemorate Saint Polycarp, the bishop who was martyred in Smyrna in 155 CE. Smyrna is one of the Seven Churches of Asia named in the Book of Revelation, so it is a regular stop for Christian pilgrim groups. Inside are frescoes by the French painter Raymond Pelers depicting the saint's life. Entry is free, but opening hours are limited (roughly 15:00–17:00, and no visits during Mass). You need to ring the bell to enter. It is located in the city center beside Gazi Osmanpaşa Boulevard.
Opening hours
Approx. 15:00–17:00 (depends on church schedule)
Nearby sights
- Hisar Mosque
- Kızlarağası Han
- Agora of Smyrna
- Kordon Promenade
- Kemeraltı Bazaar
- Kültürpark
- Izmir Clock Tower & Konak Square
- Atatürk Museum (İzmir)