Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Catholic church in New Julfa, Iran
The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary is a Catholic church in New Julfa built according to traditional Safavid architectural principles using adobe, brick, and plaster. The main structure combines European and Persian building methods in its design and construction.
The church was established in 1681 and was originally run by Dominican monks before passing to Armenian Catholics in the 18th century. French Lazarists later took charge and their influence shaped the building's path through the following centuries.
The church sits in the heart of New Julfa, where several Armenian churches form a concentrated religious district in Isfahan. Visitors notice a unique blend of Western and Eastern influences in how the space is used and experienced.
The church is located in District 5 of Isfahan and is easily accessible along the streets of New Julfa. The building underwent complete renovation in 2005, so visitors will find the interior and exterior in good condition to explore.
The building combines Latin Catholic religious elements with Safavid construction techniques in an unusual way, making it a rare example of cross-cultural architecture. This blend of Western and Persian styles is not commonly found in the region and makes the church a notable testament to historical cultural exchanges.
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