St. Anthony of Padua Church — Attraction in Beyoğlu

St. Anthony of Padua Church, alternatively known as the Sent Antuan Bazilikası, is a basilica and the largest church of the Roman Catholic Church in Istanbul, Turkey. It is located at İstiklal Avenue No. 171 in the Beyoğlu district.

Along with the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit (1846) in the Harbiye district, St. Louis of the French (1581) and Santa Maria Draperis in Beyoğlu, Sts. Peter and Paul (1841) in Galata, Assumption Church in the Moda quarter of Kadıköy, St. Stephen in Yeşilköy and Bakırköy Church in Bakırköy, St. Anthony of Padua is one of the most important Catholic churches in Istanbul, and among them has the largest community following its Masses.

The original St. Anthony of Padua Church was built in 1725 by the local Italian community of Istanbul, but was later demolished and replaced with the current building which was constructed on the same location. The current St. Anthony of Padua, along with its adjacent buildings (known as the St. Antoine Apartmanları) on İstiklal Avenue, was built between 1906 and 1912 in the Venetian Neo-Gothic style, and was likewise edificed by the local Italian community of the city, mostly of Genoese and Venetian descent, who amounted to 40,000 people at the turn of the 20th century. The building was designed by the Istanbulite Levantine architect Giulio Mongeri, who also designed many other important buildings in Istanbul and Ankara; such as the Maçka Palas (which houses Armani Café and Gucci) in Nişantaşı and the Neo-Byzantine style Karaköy Palas bank building in Karaköy (Galata), Istanbul; as well as the first headquarters of Türkiye İş Bankası in Ankara.

The church is considered a minor basilica, and is run by Italian priests. Saturday Mass is in Italian and begins at 19:00, Sunday Mass is 9:30 in Polish, 10:00 in English and 17:00 in Turkish, and Tuesday Mass is in Turkish and begins at 11:00. Weekday Masses are in English at 8:00. Together with the churches of St. Mary Draperis, also on Istiklal Caddesi, and of SS. Peter and Paul in Galata, it was one of the three Levantine parishes in Beyoglu.

Pope John XXIII preached in this church for 10 years, when he was the Vatican's ambassador to Turkey before being elected as pope. He is known in Turkey with the nickname "The Turkish Pope" because of his fluent Turkish and his often expressed love for Turkey and the city...

St. Anthony of Padua Church, alternatively known as the Sent Antuan Bazilikası or Sant'Antonio di Padova Church, S. Antonio di Padova, St. Antoine, or locally as Sent Antuan, is a basilica and the largest church of the Roman Catholic Church in Istanbul, Turkey. It is located at İstiklal Avenue No. 171 in the Beyoğlu district.

Along with the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit (1846) in the Harbiye district, St. Louis of the French (1581) and Santa Maria Draperis in Beyoğlu, Sts. Peter and Paul (1841) in Galata, Assumption Church in the Moda quarter of Kadıköy, St. Stephen in Yeşilköy and Bakırköy Church in Bakırköy, St. Anthony of Padua is one of the most important Catholic churches in Istanbul, and among them has the largest community following its Masses.

The original St. Anthony of Padua Church was built in 1725 by the local Italian community of Istanbul, but was later demolished and replaced with the current building which was constructed on the same location. The current St. Anthony of Padua, along with its adjacent buildings (known as the St. Antoine Apartmanları) on İstiklal Avenue, was built between 1906 and 1912 in the Venetian Neo-Gothic style, and was likewise edificed by the local Italian community of the city, mostly of Genoese and Venetian descent, who amounted to 40,000 people at the turn of the 20th century. The building was designed by the Istanbulite Levantine architect Giulio Mongeri, who also designed many other important buildings in Istanbul and Ankara; such as the Maçka Palas (which houses Armani Café and Gucci) in Nişantaşı and the Neo-Byzantine style Karaköy Palas bank building in Karaköy (Galata), Istanbul; as well as the first headquarters of Türkiye İş...

Visiting the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua on İstiklal Street was an incredible experience. This stunning neo-gothic church stands out amidst the vibrant energy of İstiklal Street. From the moment you step through the gates, you're greeted by its majestic facade and towering spires that evoke a sense of awe and reverence.

The interior of the church is equally breathtaking. The high vaulted ceilings, adorned with beautiful frescoes and intricate woodwork, create an atmosphere of grandeur. The stained glass windows are a highlight, casting colorful light patterns that dance across the pews and floors. Each window tells a story, and you can easily spend hours admiring their detail and craftsmanship.

One of the most touching aspects of the church is the sense of peace it offers. Despite being in the heart of a bustling city, the church provides a sanctuary of calm. The quiet, reflective ambiance is perfect for those looking to escape the noise and find a moment of tranquility. I found myself sitting in one of the pews, simply soaking in the serene atmosphere and the history that surrounds this sacred place.

The church is well-maintained, and the staff are welcoming and helpful. They provide insightful information about the history of the church and its significance. I also appreciated the small garden courtyard, which is a lovely spot to relax and reflect.

For anyone visiting Istanbul, the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua is a must-see. It’s a place where history, art, and spirituality converge, offering a deeply enriching experience. Whether you are religious or not, you will find beauty and inspiration...