St. Michael's Cathedral, Gothic Revival cathedral in Rikitea, French Polynesia
St. Michael's Cathedral is a Gothic Revival church in Rikitea on a French Polynesian archipelago, constructed from limestone and plaster. The structure occupies a substantial footprint and forms a prominent landmark in the settlement.
A priest initiated construction in 1839 and worked with local craftsmen to complete the building by 1848. The project was an early religious foundation that established European presence on this Pacific archipelago.
The interior showcases local craftsmanship through mother of pearl decorations and an altar adorned with black pearl engravings. These details blend European religious traditions with materials and skills from the region.
Visits are possible year-round, but access can vary depending on weather since the island location is exposed to wind conditions. Visitors should prepare for changing weather and wear comfortable shoes for exploring.
The building holds roughly 1200 people, exceeding the population of the settlement. This makes it the largest religious structure in the southern Pacific region and a notable architectural testament to early missionary activity.
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