Metal Chruch

“the Bulgarian Church of St. Stephen set along the shore of the Golden Horn blends in with its holy brethren at first glance; upon closer inspection, however, this cross-shaped basilica is like few others in the world. Born of an early 19th century period of architectural experimentation in prefabrication, St. Stephen is made entirely out of cast iron. Even to this day, the walls are metal and spots of rust bloom from its interior archways like scarified flowers. The church consists of poured iron slabs that were floated on cargo ships from Vienna, down the Danube River, across the Black Sea, through the Bosphorus, only to then be assembled on-site. The only remaining original feature from the wooden church that predated the Iron Church is its stone altar, still in use to this day. Inaugurated on September 8, 1898, one of the world’s few full-metal churches has remained in constant use ever since. “
Today it was opened again after 7 years of restoration, where it stands 500 meters away from my home. As you can see many conservative muslims participated the opening.
Love to all.