Panayia Balino Greek Orthodox Church
Changes After Construction:
- The church, built in the 16th century, was rebuilt in the 18th century after a fire.
- The structure underwent restoration in 1843, 1877, 1912, and 1992.
- Within the complex is the Ayios Menas holy spring.
Prominent Features:
- The church belongs to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Istanbul.
- The structure is also known as Balatkapı Panagia Balinou and Balat Balino.
- It has a rectangular basilical plan; it has a three-aisled naos and is arranged on the east–west axis.
- Its spatial arrangement consists of the narthex and the naos; the upper covering is a wooden roof and has been described as a hipped roof sloping in two directions.
- According to legend, the water of the holy spring is accepted as having healing and “miraculous” qualities; the holy spring tradition holds an important place in the folk culture of Istanbul.
