One of Europe’s most iconic wooden buildings—the historic Greek orphanage on Prinkipos or Princes’ islands (Büyükada), just off the coast of Instanbul—is poised for a new chapter, as the Ecumenical Patriarchate moves forward with plans to repurpose it as a hotel. According to sources close to the matter, the decision was unanimously approved by the Holy Synod at the Patriarchate in the Phanar.
Perched atop the hill of Prinkipos, and abandoned for years, the orphanage has long stood as a haunting yet majestic reminder of a bygone era. Built some 127 years ago, the building was originally intended to be a luxury hotel.
However, the project never received official authorization, and the structure was instead converted into an orphanage—serving generations of children within the Greek Orthodox community until its closure.
In recent decades, the once-thriving institution has fallen into severe disrepair, its wooden frame succumbing to the passage of time. Today, the massive structure is visibly deteriorating, leaning dangerously toward collapse.
Faced with the threat of permanent loss, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has resolved not to let the landmark fade into oblivion. A detailed redevelopment plan has been greenlit, aimed at ensuring the building’s long-term sustainability—financially and structurally.
Among the options considered, converting the site into a hotel has emerged as a leading proposal, reviving the property’s original intended use. The concept had previously been outlined in a study by Sevotel, a consulting firm specializing in heritage preservation and hospitality development.
The Synod also examined alternative reuse strategies and potential partnerships with investors. Sources indicate that a long-term lease is being explored, with final terms to be determined by a special committee set to be formed.
Collaborations with hotel groups—whether Turkish, Greek, or multinational—have not been ruled out, signaling growing interest in preserving and reimagining this architectural treasure.
