Saint Benoit Church
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.
Prominent Features:
- 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.
