Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum and Monument, Religious museum in Nagasaki, Japan
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.
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