St. Joseph's Church, Semarang

St. Joseph's Church is a red-brick church building in Semarang featuring nineteen stained glass windows, a Gothic altar, and fourteen carved Stations of the Cross along its interior walls. The two-story structure accommodates around 800 people and demonstrates careful attention to interior design.

The building was constructed in 1875 by Dutch architect W. I. van Bakel for the European Catholic community. The church tower required reconstruction after a collapse in 1873 before the project was completed.

The church reflects the diverse composition of Semarang's Catholic community, which originally welcomed Europeans and people of mixed descent before expanding to include local members. This evolution shows how the building became a gathering place for different groups in the city.

The building is accessible to visitors and offers a quiet environment for exploration. Regular services are held here, so visitors should be mindful of service times and dress respectfully when visiting.

Two bells from Rotterdam manufacturer Petit & Fritsen hang in the church tower and date to the 19th century. These imported bells are among the most remarkable features of the building and reflect the craftsmanship of that era.

Location: Semarang City

Inception: December 12, 1875

Website: http://gedangan.com

GPS coordinates: -6.96596,110.43100

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:06