Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Roman Catholic cathedral in downtown Hangzhou, China
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is a neoclassical structure in downtown Hangzhou featuring three naves separated by columns that create a symmetrical interior space. The exterior displays traditional Western architectural details while the interior walls carry artistic decorations that fill the worship space.
An Italian Jesuit named Martino Martini founded the cathedral in 1661, making it one of the earliest Catholic religious structures in Zhejiang province. The Kangxi Emperor later supported major repairs and had an inscription placed to acknowledge imperial approval for the building.
Artists created frescoes inside showing how Western religious stories mixed with local artistic traditions, revealing an early meeting of two cultures.
The cathedral is easily reached by public transportation and sits in a central area of the city that you can explore on foot. Visitors should plan their visit around service times since these are moments when the space is actively used and most welcoming to guests.
The cathedral preserves a rare example of collaboration between Western missionaries and local craftspeople visible in the fresco work and decorative details throughout the interior. This early partnership left marks that remain visible in the building's details today.
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