Church of Saint Mary Draperis
Duration
1 hr
Admission
Free
Best time
Afternoon
Budget
Free
About this place
The Church of Saint Mary Draperis is one of Istanbul's oldest and most historically significant Catholic churches, a Franciscan sanctuary with roots stretching back to 1584 in the heart of Beyoğlu. The current Baroque church, rebuilt in 1789, sits below street level on Istiklal Avenue, its modest entrance belying a richly decorated interior of gilded altars, devotional paintings, and a deeply peaceful atmosphere that has drawn the faithful for centuries.
Tips
Descend the steps from Istiklal Avenue into the church courtyard, where the transition from the noise of the boulevard to the tranquil sanctuary below is immediately striking. Entry is free and the church is open to visitors outside of mass times, so check the schedule before arriving. The richly decorated Baroque interior is intimate and beautifully preserved, rewarding a quiet and unhurried visit. The church sits midway along Istiklal Avenue between Tünel Square and Taksim, just steps from the Church of St. Anthony of Padua, making the two a natural pairing for those interested in Beyoğlu's rich layer of non-Muslim religious heritage.