The temple was built in the early Venetian era next to the coastal city walls and served as the Katholikon of the Dominican Order. In its initial form the temple had a single transept and a wooden roof but four chapels were gradually added to it. The temple is of particular architectural importance featuring elements of 13th century French and Italian architecture. It was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman era. The temple sustained serious damage between the 14th and the 18th century caused by various earthquakes and it was recently restored to its current form. It is open to the public only on June 29 each year (Saint Peter and Saint Paul day).