The Augustinian Church of Christ the Saviour (San Salvatore) was built in the late 13^th century in what is now Cornarou Square. The original church was destroyed by an earthquake in 1508, after which a new one was built on the same site. In the Ottoman period, following the addition of a mihrab (prayer niche), a minbar (pulpit) and a minaret, it was converted into the Valide Mosque, named after the Sultan's mother.

In 1925 it was judged adequate for use as a school, though necessary alterations involved the addition of a row of windows to let in sufficient light. The church and its original wooden roof survived intact until they were demolished in 1970.