By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
During the period of Dutch rule, Taiwan—then known as Formosa—amazed the Dutch, who considered it the most beautiful island. To this day, European architectural styles are deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture, especially churches, which best showcase the remnants of historical footprints. This time, the scenic spots team is introducing the Kikuo Pai Old Church in Taoyuan, whose design concept centers around the “Key to Heaven.”
Church entrance designed in the shape of a key to heaven (Image source / Taoyuan City Government)
Architectural structure of great historical and cultural value (Image source / Taoyuan City Government)
A solemn and sacred center of tribal faith (Image source / Taoyuan City Government)
Originally the Sanmin Presbyterian Church, this building was constructed in 1963 as the faith center for the local Tuba (讀法阿) Tribe. With the hope that the spirit of Christianity would be passed down through generations, and choosing materials from nearby Bat Cave stone quarries, the stones were mined by local residents themselves, and every brick and tile was carried up the mountain and assembled. The distinctive construction of the walls, combined with the unique gateway shaped like a key to heaven, not only earned it recognition as one of the Cultural Affairs Council’s “Top 100 Historical Sites,” but it was also selected in 2013 as one of the Ministry of the Interior’s “Top 100 Religious Sites in Taiwan,” making it a site of significant historical importance.
The faith center was completed through the unity and cooperation of the Atayal people, who contributed one stone each (Image source / Taoyuan City Government)
Having withstood over fifty years of time, from a distance it resembles Noah’s Ark atop the hill (Image source / Taoyuan City Government)
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