Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum and Monument

This museum and monument complex tells the story of 26 people executed for their Christian faith. The site includes bronze sculptures, a chapel, and displays documenting their lives and the wider persecution era.

In 1597, a ruler ordered the execution of 26 Christians including three children at Nishizaka Hill as part of a broader ban on the faith. This act intensified decades of religious suppression that would continue long afterward.

This site marks where Christians once had to hide their faith from those in power. The names and stories of those executed remain central to how the local community remembers and honors this moment.

The site sits within walking distance of the main train station, making it straightforward to reach. Plan for a couple of hours to view the sculptures, chapel, and exhibition spaces without feeling rushed.

The execution took place at a location chosen to mirror a sacred site meaningful to Christians. This symbolic connection was not accidental but reflected deeper religious convictions held by those facing death.

Location: Nagasaki

Inception: 1962

Architects: Kenji Imai

Official opening: June 10, 1962

Address: 〒850-0051 長崎市西坂町7番８号

Website: http://26martyrs.com

GPS coordinates: 32.75472,129.87167

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:56