Name: Saint Polycarp Church or Aziz Polikarp Kilisesi
Denomination: Catholic
Opening Date: 1625
Address: Şehit Nihat Bey Caddesi No:145, Konak, İzmir
Transportation: You can reach the church by many buses and dolmuşes departing from Konak.
History:
Saint Polycarp Church was built in 1625 with the permission of the Ottoman Sultan I. Süleyman and the request of King Louis XIII of France.
The church takes its name from Saint Polycarp, a disciple of John the Apostle and bishop of Smyrna.
It was damaged in the 1688 İzmir earthquake and the subsequent fire. It was repaired in 1690-1691.
The monastery of the church, which was damaged in the fire of 1763, was destroyed. It was restored again with the support of King Louis XVI of France in 1775.
It was expanded and decorated with chapels during the restoration carried out between 1892-98.
Architecture:
The church is a basilica with a Latin cross plan.
The interior of the church has a colorful and ornate atmosphere.
The walls are decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible.
The ceiling of the church is decorated with frescoes and stained glass windows.
Visiting:
Saint Polycarp Church is open to visitors every day.
Admission is free.
Masses are held in English and Turkish in the church.
