The Roman Catholic Church of St. Mary Draperis was built by Franciscan monks in 1678. In 1831, after yet another fire, the church building was not only restored, but also reconstructed. This process was overseen by the famous architect brothers Fossati. It was then that the church acquired the appearance we see today - no pomp, everything is very modest and laconic. The iron gates open onto Istiklal Street, in the niche above them there is a statue of the Virgin Mary, and the wide staircase leading from the gates to the church doors ends in a small stone courtyard.
The main altar of the church is made of pink Carrara marble and is adorned with a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, donated back in the 16th century to the order of Franciscan monks by a wealthy resident of Galata named Clara Maria Draperis. This is where the name of the church comes from - in honor of its benefactress.
The stained-glass windows of the two apses of the church depict Saint Francis and Clare of Assisi. The 18th-19th century tombstones installed in the church perpetuate the memory of noble townspeople, benefactors, and Catholic clergymen of Istanbul.
