Easter in Turkey 2027: Antioch, Ephesus and the Seven Churches

Easter in Turkey falls on March 28, 2027, for Catholic and Protestant churches, and on May 2, 2027, for the Orthodox. Neither day is a public holiday in Turkey, so sites and museums keep their usual hours. Still, Easter is a fine time to follow the first Christians here: to Antioch, where they first took the name, to Ephesus and to the Seven Churches of Revelation. Our biblical Turkey tour in 8 days follows the Seven Churches and Saint Paul’s road to Iconium.

When is Easter in Turkey in 2027?

Western Easter falls on Sunday, March 28, 2027, and Orthodox Easter on Sunday, May 2, 2027. The two dates differ because the Orthodox churches still count Easter by the Julian calendar. So in 2027, five weeks separate them. Since Easter is not a public holiday in Turkey, you plan your days as on any other spring weekend.

Where can you celebrate Easter in Istanbul?

For Catholic Easter in Istanbul, go to the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua on İstiklal Avenue. Its community worships in Turkish, English, Italian and Polish; we plan your Easter day around the masses at St. Anthony’s. For Orthodox Easter, by contrast, look to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Fener, the seat of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch. Our Three Faiths of Istanbul tour visits its church of St. George.

Why is Antakya important at Easter?

Antakya, ancient Antioch, is where the followers of Jesus were first called Christians. On its edge, the cave St. Pierre Church stands where, by tradition, the apostle first preached. A natural cave, it became a church after Christianity became the official religion of Rome, and its floor keeps mosaics from the 4th and 5th centuries. Since the 2023 earthquakes, the city has been rebuilding, so ask us to confirm before you plan a visit.

What can you see in Ephesus at Easter?

At Ephesus, three places tell the story of the early Church. First comes the ancient city of Ephesus itself. Then, on Bülbül Dağı, the House of the Virgin Mary stands where, by tradition, Saint John brought Mary. Finally, on Ayasuluk Hill in Selçuk, the Basilica of St. John rises over the traditional tomb of the apostle. Our Biblical Ephesus tour visits all three in one day.

Can you visit the Seven Churches of Revelation over Easter?

Yes, and spring is a good season for the drive between them. All seven, Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea, lie in western Turkey. Our Seven Churches tour visits every one in five days, in a loop from İzmir. For a longer trip, our Biblical Turkey tour adds Istanbul and Tarsus, the birthplace of Paul.

What is the weather like at Easter in Turkey?

At the end of March, Istanbul is still cool, with daytime highs of about 12 °C (54 °F). On the south coast, Antalya is milder, at about 18 °C (64 °F). So pack layers and a rain jacket. For the season, read Turkey in March and Turkey in April.

Spend Easter in Turkey With Us

Would you like to spend Easter in Turkey in the places of the first Christians? Tell us which Easter you keep and how many days you have. Then we will plan the services, the guides and the drives between Istanbul, Ephesus and the Seven Churches.