Sakitsu Church, Gothic Catholic church in Sakitsu Village, Japan
Sakitsu Church is a stone and wooden house of prayer with a two-story structure and pointed tower that combines European Gothic design with Japanese building elements. The building sits in a fishing village on the coast and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site complex.
Worship at this place goes back to the time when Christians faced persecution locally. The current building was erected in 1934 and stands as a mark of the return to religious freedom in the region.
The church interior keeps Japanese tatami mat flooring, showing how Catholic practices blended with local materials and habits. Visitors can see today how Western faith mixed with Eastern craftsmanship.
The building stands near the harbor and allows visits only with advance notice. Plan your visit ahead of time to make sure you can get inside.
The building uses two different materials: concrete for the lower parts and wood for the upper sections, a result of budget limits during construction. Visitors notice this material mix right away when entering.
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