Panagia Paramythia Church

Panagia Paramythia Church stands in Istanbul’s Fener district as a Greek Orthodox landmark with a long architectural history. Local references also identify the church as Vlach Sarai Church. The rectangular stone basilica combines a round eastern arch, a terracotta gabled roof, marble slab floors, a wooden narthex, and an iconostasis.

Built around 1578, the church reflects late-sixteenth-century construction through stone, timber, terracotta, and marble. Fires in 1640 and 1729 led to reconstructions, while severe damage in 1974 brought another major intervention. From 1587 to 1597, the building served as the patriarchal site after Pammakaristos Church became a mosque. During that period, ecclesiastical decisions included granting autocephaly to the Russian Orthodox Church.

The eastern round arch, terracotta roof, and marble floor preserve a clear sense of its original architectural character. The wooden narthex and iconostasis add handcrafted detail to the rectangular interior. Its connection with the Vlach princes links this Fener church to Istanbul’s wider Orthodox history.