Kaohsiung’s Basilica of the Holy Rosary — A Rare Sight of Gothic and Romanesque Spired Architecture

Text & Photos /Purple Smile

We’ve long heard of a historic century-old church in Kaohsiung called the “Basilica of the Holy Rosary,” also known as the Rose Mary Church. Aside from its long history, it features spired architecture in the Gothic and Romanesque styles that are rare to find in Taiwan. In 2001, it was ranked first nationwide in the Taiwan Historic Buildings Hundred Selection poll. We’ve always been interested in such buildings, and even though we’re not parishioners, we simply had to come pay our respects.

This Catholic church is located in Kaohsiung’s Qianjin District, around the intersection of Wufu 3rd Road and Shizhong 1st Road, with the Love River not far away. The church was built during the Xianfeng era of the Qing Dynasty and is Taiwan’s first Catholic church as well as one of Asia’s three great cathedrals, so its status speaks for itself.

The front of the church features towering spires, flanked by smaller guard towers. Looking up from here, it’s truly beautiful~~ No wonder so many people come here to take photos.

Some angles make it easy to mistake the location for being in Europe.

“By Imperial Decree”~~~~ These two angels holding the decree plaque are really amusing!

Every small detail of the building is worth appreciating carefully—perhaps visitors with religious faith might feel even more moved!

The interior of the church is solemn and dignified, with sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows, adding an even more sacred radiance. I think the angle at which the church is situated must have been calculated—the morning sun shines directly from the direction of the altar. If there were a cross in the front, this would be Taiwan’s Church of Light!

The Pope said that from 2012 to November 24, 2013, pilgrimages to the Our Lady of China Shrine, the Basilica of the Holy Rosary, and Mount of Beatitudes are valid.
So~~~~ we’ve received plenary indulgence!!!!

This altar is truly beautiful—it’s hard to describe in words.

The recent yellow rubber duck craze is huge—might as well come check this place out too.

Basilica of the Holy Rosary / Basilica of the Holy Rosary Cathedral
Address: No. 151, Wufu 3rd Road, Qianjin District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-2013492
Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 09:00–17:00
(Thursday 11:00–17:00, closed on Sundays)
 

We are Ben & Jean—we love food, travel, photography, and 3C.
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