The Church of St. Anthony of Padua, better known as ‘Saint-Antoine’ or ‘San Antonio’ (in Turkish, ‘Sent Antuan Kilisesi’), is the largest church of the Roman Catholic churches in Istanbul and the most eye-catching place of worship in Beyoğlu. The original church on the site, built in 1725 by the Italian community in Istanbul, was later demolished and replaced by the current building – which was designed in the Italian neo-Gothic style by the Levantine architect Giulio Mongeri (a teacher at the Academy of Fine Arts) and constructed between 1906 and 1912. Pope John XXIII preached here for 10 years while serving as the Vatican’s ambassador to Turkey before being chosen as pope; there is a statue of him in the courtyard. The floreats of stone on top of the pillars and the blue vaulted ceilings give it an uplifting feel.

The church is accessible from either the Şişhane station on the M2 metro line or the Taksim station on this same line. (The Şişhane station is slightly nearer.) If coming from the Şişhane station, take the İstiklal Caddesi exit and walk along İstiklal Caddesi in the direction of Taksim. You will see the church on your right, just before you get to Galatasaray. If coming from Taksim, take the Taksim Square (Taksim Meydanı) exit and walk along İstiklal Caddesi. Soon after passing Galatasaray you will see the church on your left.