Latin Saint Joseph Cathedral Baghdad, Catholic cathedral on al-Jumhuriya Street, Baghdad, Iraq
The Saint Joseph Cathedral is a Catholic temple on al-Jumhuriya Street featuring thick clay walls and a large hemispherical dome topped with a cross. The interior displays traditional construction methods adapted to the local climate with sturdy masonry throughout.
Construction was completed in 1871 and the building served as a hospital during World War I under Ottoman control. The structure remained a religious center for the Catholic community through subsequent periods of political change.
The cathedral serves as a place of worship and prayer where visitors notice traces of the Polish military presence during the Second World War. Today the interior space reflects the religious heritage of multiple communities that have gathered within its walls.
The site is located in a central area of Baghdad and is reachable on foot from other major landmarks. Visiting is possible during daylight hours, though you should check current local conditions before going.
The cathedral grounds contain a graveyard where the remains of Anastas al-Karmali, a respected regional scholar, rest alongside early Carmelite monks. This burial place reveals connections between religious communities and local intellectuals spanning different eras.
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