Church of the Virgin Pammakaristos
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Monastery of Christ Akataleptos the remains of which are made up of (Kalenderhane Camii) located at Aqueduct of the Vefa Quarter. Mosque Kalenderhane is a converted church previously called the Church of Theotokos Kyriostissa. It was built in the late 12th century. Earliest historical evidence on the Monastery of the Theotokos Kyriotissa dates from the turn of the first millennium, though the structure might be older. Possibly once part of the earlier Monastery of Christ Akataleptos built earlier under the reign of Justinian. Kalenderhane Mosque appears to be the only remnants of Monastery of Christ Akataleptos. The structure has colored marble revetment dating from the Byzantine period. The two eastern piers have retained decorative features from the remains of the 13th century marble iconostasis: colonnettes and a sculptured frieze with an extensive representation which has preserved, in small scale, the figure of Christ and the Throne of the Hetoimasia.
When the Crusaders took Constantinople in 1204, the church was re-consecrated to Saint Francis of Assisi, during some fifty five years, making it over into a Roman Catholic church.
The area of the apse was converted into a storing place where fragments of mosaics and wall paintings dating from the period of the Latin occupation are held. Other remains from the church, included a mosaic depicting the Presentation of Christ in the Temple and part of a wall painting showing Saint Francis. This fresco depicting the life of Saint Francisco of Assisi. Has been beautifully restored, it is now displayed in the Archeological Museum in Istanbal. Some fragments of sculptures, mosaics and paintings can still be seen in the western part of Kalenderhane Mosque. Like Vefa Kilise Mosque, this mosque is located in the area of Süleymaniye Mosque.