Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Catholic cathedral in Pangaltı district, Istanbul, Turkey
Cathedral of the Holy Spirit is a baroque revival church with three naves and a brick facade located on Cumhuriyet Avenue between Taksim Square and Nişantaşı. The building stands out for its solid red brick construction and distinctive architectural character within the modern surroundings.
The building was designed and constructed in 1846 by Swiss-Italian architect Giuseppe Fossati. Following an earthquake in 1866, Pietro Vitalis undertook major renovations to repair damage and strengthen the structure.
The cathedral serves a diverse Catholic community with masses held in different languages, reflecting the religious life in Istanbul. Visitors notice how people from various backgrounds gather here to worship together in their own language.
Access to the cathedral is through a narrow passage next to the Notre Dame de Sion French school, which is easy to miss. Visitors should know that mass times vary throughout the week, so it is helpful to check schedules in advance.
Inside the cathedral stands a commemorative plaque honoring Pope Benedict XV, marking his connection to the church. The cathedral also offers confession services in multiple languages, with signs indicating which language each priest speaks.
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