The Church of St. Mary Draperis Istanbul
Church in Taksim
Ayşim from Istanbul
It’s very easy to miss the Catholic Church of St. Mary Draperis, even if you’re looking for it while strolling along busy İstiklal Street. Although its façade features a statue of the Virgin Mary watching over the wrought-iron doors, the building blends in with the surrounding 19th-century architecture, making it hard to recognize as a church.
Another indicator, of course, is its marble plaque from 1902, written in Latin, which expresses gratitude to the Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamid II for granting permission for the church’s last renovation.
Originally built in 1584 — more than a century after Constantinople became Istanbul — the church was rebuilt five more times following several fires and an earthquake.
The actual church building lies further inside, beyond the iron doors, and is reached by a steep flight of stone steps. It sits a few metres below street level and creates a grand entrance effect at first sight. Although none of the church’s parts date back to the Byzantine era, the stylistic influence of that once-great empire is evident in the interior details — from the Virgin Mary mosaic icon with its golden background to the barrel-vaulted ceiling, which features the distinctive characteristics of Byzantine frescoes.
It’s definitely worth a visit, especially if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take a peaceful breath.
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