I stopped by St Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church on my recent visit to Istanbul. I actually stumbled upon it while I was walking down Istiklal Street. It has beautiful architecture and is worth a visit.

St. Anthony of Padua Church, located in the heart of Istanbul's bustling Istiklal Avenue, is a serene church featuring neo-gothic architecture. Known locally as Sent Antuan Kilisesi, this is the largest Roman Catholic church in Istanbul. Inside, the church exudes a peaceful and solemn atmosphere, with its elegant stained-glass windows and ornate altar creating a sense of reverence. As it's Christmas, the church was also decorated with Christmas deco. It's a symbolic melting pot of diverse congregants, reflecting Istanbul's multicultural fabric. The church not only serves as a place of worship but also as a symbol of coexistence and tolerance in a historically diverse city.

One of the ways to get to the Church of St. Anthony of Padua is to take Tram 5 to the Tophane tram stop, cross the main drag, then climb up Throat-Slitter Street (a.k.a. Bogazkesen Cd.) right across from the tram stop. This Everest-like route ends at Istiklal Street. Istanbul is built on seven hills. I think the term ‘hills’ might just be a slight under-statement. The tram stop is at sea level, and the church is at the top of a ‘hill’ and almost immediately to the left on Istiklal Street. For me, the easiest way to find any religious building in Istanbul is to simply look for a group of cops! And sure enough, that’s where the church was. The Church of St. Anthony of Padua is the largest Catholic Church in Istanbul. The current church was built in 1725, but eventually demolished, with the new church built on the same site between 1906 and 1912. The church has a stunning interior. It’s amazing how quiet and serene this church is, given its location on one of the busiest streets in Istanbul!

Went for Easter Mass. It was at 10am in English. Every Sunday Mass is at 10am. Lovely church and choir and it was full for Easter service. Beautiful church. So glad we got to attend Mass there and in English