St. Joseph's Cathedral, Chongqing

St. Joseph's Cathedral is a Gothic Revival church in Yuzhong District featuring a square bell tower, pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and buttresses that extend up its stone walls. The interior contains spaces arranged for religious ceremonies and daily worship activities.

French missionaries from the Paris Foreign Missions Society started construction in 1879, finishing the main building in 1891 and adding the bell tower four years later. This phased development reflects the ongoing support from overseas religious communities over more than a decade.

The cathedral displays European architectural features built by Chinese craftspeople, showing how Western and Eastern building traditions came together during that period. Visitors can see this blend of styles in the stonework and decorative details throughout the structure.

The cathedral is located on St. Joseph Lane with public transportation connections nearby and hosts regular Catholic services throughout the week. Visitors should check opening hours in advance and dress respectfully when entering.

Ivy covers the stone walls, giving this cathedral a distinct appearance among religious buildings in southwest China. This natural vegetation has developed over many years and adds a weathered quality to the facade.

Location: Chongqing

Inception: 1879

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

GPS coordinates: 29.55759,106.56984

Latest update: December 14, 2025 15:01