Former Latin Divinity School

The Former Latin Divinity School is a religious building in Nagasaki constructed in 1875 with European architectural features. The structure combines stone and wood construction with large windows and balanced facades that remain intact today.

The building was designed in 1875 for Roman Catholic priest training and operated until 1926. It arose at a time when Japan permitted Western religious schools again after centuries of isolation.

The building displays Western architectural elements that were novel to Japan in the late 1800s. Visitors can see how European design principles were combined with local building materials to create something new.

The building stands near Oura Church in the Minami-Yamate neighborhood and is preserved as an important cultural property. Visitors can photograph and study the architecture, though access is limited, so checking ahead is wise.

The building was designed by a French architect for priest training and stands among the first Western school structures built after Japan reopened to the world. This makes it a rare example of the country's early architectural modernization phase.

Location: Nagasaki

Inception: 1875

Architects: Marc Marie de Rotz

Website: https://christian-museum.jp/facilities#tocId-1

GPS coordinates: 32.73419,129.86989

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:45