Aya Payana Church in Isparta, Türkiye, built around 1750, is a restored Orthodox structure now housing the Misparta Fragrance Museum, featuring original Corinthian columns and a café.
Aya Payana Church stands in the historic fabric of Isparta, in the Turan Neighborhood. Believed to have been built in the 1750s, the structure once served the local Orthodox community. It features a rectangular plan on a north-south axis with three naves and an apse. Measuring 15x26 meters, the building has entrance doors on its north, west, and east sides. The ceiling is wooden, covered externally by a mortar-plastered cross vault supported by ten columns. The columns are baseless with Corinthian capitals—wooden on the inside and plastered on the outside. The floor of the apse sits 70 centimeters higher than the main hall and is illuminated by three large windows below and three smaller windows above.
The building was included in the Lakes Region Project in 1993, though extensive work could not be carried out at the time. Its roof was completely renewed in 1999. Following recent restorations, the church no longer serves as a house of worship; it has been repurposed as the Misparta Fragrance Museum. Visitors can explore the history of scent and examine perfume samples derived from various plants and trees, with opportunities to sample them firsthand. While some visitor reviews note that the interior feels somewhat empty and prefer a greater focus on preserving the church's original atmosphere, most appreciate the transformation and highlight the cozy café on site.
From the outside, the building still bears traces of 18th-century church architecture with its ashlar arched window jambs and the pentagonal outer contour of the apse. Finding the main entrance while walking through the garden can be slightly tricky due to limited signage.
Guide's Note
How Did the Church Become a Museum?
Aya Payana is also known among locals in Isparta as Aya Baniya Church. Believed to have been built in the 1750s, the building remained vacant and unused for a long time. Restored by the Isparta Municipality, the building was brought under protection and reopened to visitors as the Misparta Fragrance Museum. Visitors can learn about the history of scents, view perfume samples made from various plant and flower extracts, and test select fragrances firsthand.
Best Time to Visit
As an indoor venue, it can be visited in any season. It serves as a refreshing indoor escape from the afternoon heat during the summer months. The museum is rarely overcrowded, allowing for a comfortable visit at any time of day.
How to Get There
The church is located in the Keçeci area of Turan Neighborhood in central Isparta. Thanks to its proximity to the city center, it can be reached on foot or via a short taxi ride. Those using public transportation can get off at central bus stops and reach the building after a brief walk.
Photography Tips
The pentagonal exterior of the apse and the ashlar arched window frames make great photographic details. Inside, the Corinthian columns and vaulted ceiling draw immediate attention, while perfume bottles and exhibition cases add a visual layer following the museum's design.
How Much Time to Spend?
Because it is a small-scale museum, a visit typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Some visitors note that the exhibits are limited, so an extended visit isn't necessary. It can easily be combined with other historic sights in Isparta for a half-day itinerary.
Things to Keep in Mind
Since directional signs for the building's main entrance are sparse, finding the right door upon entering the garden might take a moment. The church is no longer an active place of worship and operates strictly as a museum. Some visitors express a desire for more of the original church atmosphere to have been preserved, so expectations regarding its religious character may vary.
Nearby Attractions
Being in the heart of Isparta, it can easily be visited alongside other nearby historical structures such as the Firdevs Pasha Mosque. It makes a great addition to a walking tour exploring the historic fabric of the city center.
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