Underground Mosque

About this place

Underground Mosque, known in Turkish as Yeraltı Camii, is one of Istanbul’s most unusual Ottoman-era religious sites, created within the vaulted substructures of old Galata fortifications near the waterfront. Its austere stone interior, low arches, and dimly lit chambers give it a fortress-like character rather than the soaring form of an imperial mosque. The site is also associated with early Ottoman naval history and the memory of Muslim martyrs believed to be buried here, which adds spiritual significance beyond its modest exterior.

Getting there: Karaköy tram stop is about 350 m away, around 5 minutes on foot; Şişhane Metro station is roughly 900 m away, about 12 minutes walking. Karaköy ferry piers are also close, approximately 500 m away in 6–7 minutes.

Note: As an active mosque, visitors should dress modestly and avoid prayer times if coming mainly for sightseeing. The interior can feel cool, dim, and slightly damp compared with street level, so wear stable shoes and expect uneven stone surfaces.

Plan your visit

Visit duration

25 minutes

Tickets

Free entry; mosque visit only, no ticket required. No adult/student/child tiers publicly listed.

Address

Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Kemankeş Cd. No:23, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Opening hours

• Friday: Closed
• Monday: Closed
• Sunday: Closed
• Tuesday: Closed
• Saturday: Closed
• Thursday: Closed
• Wednesday: Closed