Page 31 - Experience Thailand and More

WHAT TO DO

AND SEE

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Chanthanimit, Mueang Chanthaburi, Chanthaburi
Monday - Saturday from 6.00 a.m. - 7.00 a.m.
Sunday from 6.15 a.m. - 7.15 a.m., 8.30 a.m. - 9.30 a.m. and 7.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.

Across the Chanthaburi River from the old Chanthaboon community, no
one can miss the beautiful Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with
its twin spires rising 20 meters into the sky. A footbridge spanning the
Chanthaburi River at the southern end of the lane leads to this Gothic-style
church that is said to imitate the Notre Dame de Paris. The first chapel
was built here over 300 years ago in 1711 when Ayutthaya reigned. As the
Catholic community grew, a larger church was required. Actually, it has
undergone five reconstructions, one which was never completed by the
French between 1893-1904 when it governed Chanthaburi. This was then
completed when the province was given back to Siam. In 1944, while Japan
occupied the Kingdom, the church was elevated to be a Cathedral and
named the seat of the Bishop of Chanthaburi. While the very bright stained-
glass windows depicting different Catholic saints are quite beautiful, it is the
statue of the Virgin Mary on a gold dais by the alter that captivates visitors
with its adorning few hundred thousand semi-precious gems reflecting the
skills of the local artisans.
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