Jelgava Immaculate Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Cathedral, Gothic Revival cathedral in Jelgava, Latvia
The Immaculate Virgin Mary Cathedral is a red brick structure built in Gothic Revival style with two distinctive spired towers that rise above the cityscape. The interior features pointed arches and ribbed vaults characteristic of the gothic tradition, creating a soaring vertical space.
The cathedral was built in 1906 on the site of an earlier church from 1630, marking a renewal of Catholic presence in the city. It endured fire damage during World War II in 1944, after which restoration efforts continued through the 1950s.
The cathedral serves as the primary church for Jelgava's Catholic community and anchors religious life in the city. Its central location makes it a natural gathering place for worshippers and a visible expression of Catholic faith in the area.
The cathedral is located in central Jelgava and is easily reached on foot from the city center. As an active place of worship, visitors should respect religious services and dress appropriately when entering.
The new cathedral incorporated materials from the walls of its predecessor church directly into its construction, weaving fragments of the past into the structure. This practice allowed historical continuity to be preserved while a new Gothic Revival building was being created.
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