Changes After Construction
The building was opened in 1882 as the Italian Girls’ Secondary School.
During the Italo-Turkish War (Tripolitanian War) and World War I, the building remained unused. It resumed educational activities in 1919 as the Private Italian Girls’ Secondary School.
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The school, historically known as Ağahamamı Italian Girls’ Secondary School and Beyoğlu Italian High School, continues its educational activities today as the Private Galileo Galilei Italian High School.
Luigia Canegrati, who came to Istanbul on behalf of the Ivrea nuns to establish an Italian hospital, secured financial support from the Italian State to found this school.
The school was established by a decree (ferman) of Sultan Abdülaziz. The architect of the building is not definitively known, but it reflects the stylistic influence of Italian architects active in the Pera district.
