Changes After Construction
In 1540, it began to be used as the chapel of the French Embassy.
In 1583, the Jesuits took over responsibility for the church and monastery, and educational activity began within the complex.
In 1783, after the Jesuits, the Lazarists took over responsibility within the complex.
In the fire of 1865, some parts of the building were damaged, and repairs were carried out in 1871.
In 1867, the complex was expanded with new units.
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The church belongs to the Latin Catholic Church.
It is one of the oldest Catholic churches in Istanbul that is still in use.
The church is dedicated to Saint Benedict and the Virgin Mary; the name “Santa Maria della Cisterna” has also been used.
It is stated that the portal and the square-planned bell tower date to the 15th century.
It is stated that the atrium columns and capitals are largely Byzantine spolia.
Ferenc II Rákóczi and his mother Ilona Zrínyi were buried here in 1735; their remains were transferred to Hungary in 1906.
