The Bible Written in Stone
"Chora" (Kariye) literally means "outside the city" or "in the country." It received this name because it was located outside the walls of Constantine before the city expanded. The magnificent mosaics seen today were funded by the statesman Theodore Metochites in the 14th century, representing the zenith of the Byzantine Renaissance.
Must See: Anastasis
The scene on the ceiling of the Parekklesion depicting Christ shattering the gates of hell to rescue Adam and Eve is breathtaking for its dynamism and color palette.