Church of the Holy Japanese Martyrs

The Church of the Holy Japanese Martyrs in Civitavecchia is a Catholic place of worship with notable interior decorations created by Japanese artist Luke Hasegawa. The design blends Italian and Japanese artistic traditions into a distinctive visual language.

The church commemorates 26 Catholics of various origins executed in Nagasaki in 1597, including people from Spain, Mexico, Portugal, and Japan. This event marks a tragic moment of Christian persecution in Japan that is kept alive in this place of worship.

The church is dedicated to 26 martyrs executed in Nagasaki in 1597, and this remembrance shapes the character of the space. Visitors sense a deep connection between Catholic tradition and Japanese religious history, brought to life through the artworks and the building itself.

Visitors can enter through the main entrance on Via dei Martiri Giapponesi and attend regular masses when the church is open for worship. It is helpful to check opening times before visiting to ensure you can access the interior during your visit.

The interior artwork was designed by a Japanese artist, making this church a rare example of European sacred architecture with Japanese artistic imprint. This fusion is found in Italian churches only very rarely and gives the space a truly distinctive feeling.

Location: Civitavecchia

GPS coordinates: 42.08583,11.80144

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:45