Aya Stefanos Kilisesi, Isparta'nın Eğirdir Gölü'ndeki Yeşilada'da bulunan, 19. Yüzyıl ortalarında Rum Ortodoks cemaati tarafından inşa edilen üç nefli moloz taş yapıdır; günümüzde çoğunlukla kapalı gezilmektedir.
Aya Stefanos Church stands in the small settlement of Yeşilada on Lake Eğirdir. It was built in the second half of the 19th century by the Greek Orthodox community living on the island. The rectangular-plan structure, extending in an east-west direction, has three naves and an apse. Its side walls are built of rubble stone, and its roof is a barrel vault covered with Ottoman-style tiles. The semi-circular apse on the east wall is illuminated by one window below and two above, with window frames surrounded by white marble blocks.
After the 1923 population exchange, when the Greek population in Eğirdir was sent to Greece, the church was left without a congregation and remained neglected for many years. As part of the Lakes Region Research Project, it was restored, its roof was renewed, its exterior walls were repaired, and its interior wooden parts were refreshed. However, according to recent visitor comments, the church is currently closed most of the time. Some say that permission from the municipality is required to open the door, while other visitors report that a high entrance fee per person is demanded when called by phone. So, if you are going to Yeşilada just for this church, you need to call in advance and inquire about the situation.
The structure was adorned with frescoes and icons in its early periods, but over time, most of these decorations have disappeared; sources also state that the plaster decorations have fallen off. Nevertheless, from the outside, its stone texture and apse facade make it an interesting stop for photography in the island's tranquil village landscape.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
Lake Eğirdir and Yeşilada are at their liveliest from late spring to late summer. In winter, the island calms down, and some venues may close completely. Since the church is often closed anyway, it's a sensible approach to go early in the day and ask local shopkeepers or municipal officials if the door can be opened.
How to Get There
There is approximately a 20-kilometer road from Isparta city center to Eğirdir. From there, Yeşilada is reached by car in a few minutes via a bridge connection. Since the island is small, parking your car and exploring on foot is the most practical method. The church is located in one of the narrow streets in the inner part of the island, among the village houses.
How Much Time to Allocate
The church itself is a small structure; examining the door from the outside and taking photos takes 10-15 minutes. If you have the chance to enter, this time may extend to 20-30 minutes. If you want to explore the rest of Yeşilada, plan for about half a day.
Suggested Itinerary
When visiting Eğirdir, dedicating the first half of the day to the castle ruins and the bazaar area, and the second half to Yeşilada, provides a balanced pace. Once on the island, visiting the church first, then strolling through the area with small cafes along the lake shore, maintains a good flow. If the church is closed, don't be disappointed; the island itself is enjoyable enough for a short walk.
Things to Pay Attention To
There is a frequently recurring problem in visitor comments: the church is usually found locked, and it is said that permission from the municipality is required to enter. Some visitors state that a high fee per person was requested when they called by phone, so be sure to call and confirm before you go. There are also comments stating that the interior needs renovation, so it would be more realistic to set your expectations for an exterior visit.
Photo Spots
The semi-circular apse on the east facade and the marble window frames are where the stone texture is most clearly visible. Shots taken from the narrow streets around the church also bring the island's village character into the background of the structure. The afternoon light makes the texture of the rubble stone walls more prominent.
History and Architecture
The church was built in the mid-19th century by the Greek Orthodox community living within Eğirdir's multicultural structure. The three-nave, apsed, rectangular-plan structure remained in ruins for a long time after being left without a congregation due to the 1923 population exchange. With the restoration carried out within the scope of the Lakes Region Research Project, the roof and exterior walls were renewed, but most of the interior decorations could not be restored.
This content originates from neresigezilir.com.tr and may not be copied without permission.
Aya Stefanos (Yeşilada) Church Videos
Aya Stefanos (Yeşilada) Church videos load when you open this section to keep the page fast.
Show videos
FAQ
Updated:
