Cathedral of the Angels, Xichang, Catholic cathedral in Xichang, China
The Cathedral of the Angels stands on Sanya Street, housing a bell tower, courtyard, and episcopal residence within its architectural complex. The structure was designed after European patterns but also displays local building methods and regional style elements that distinguish it from similar churches of its era.
French missionary Jean de Guébriant oversaw the construction of the cathedral in 1908 as part of a regional evangelization initiative by the Paris Foreign Missions Society. This project was part of the broader Catholic missionary work being conducted in the Sichuan region during that period.
The building blends Romanesque Revival elements with traditional Sichuanese architectural features, including distinctive roof ornaments and regional design patterns. This combination creates a space where European and local building styles exist side by side, demonstrating how different cultures express themselves through architecture.
The place serves as the main religious center of the Diocese of Ningyuan and holds regular Catholic services for the local community. Visitors should check opening times and service schedules in advance to ensure a smooth visit.
The original bell in the bell tower was manufactured in France and shaped the sound identity of the place for many decades. It was destroyed during political unrest in the 1960s, removing an important part of the building's identity.
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