Holy Rosary Cathedral, Roman Catholic cathedral in Lingya District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Holy Rosary Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church in Lingya District, Kaohsiung, blending Gothic and Romanesque design with two side towers flanking the entrance. Tall spires and arched windows shape the exterior and give the building a European character.
The church was founded in 1859 as the first Catholic place of worship after the reintroduction of Catholicism to Taiwan during the Qing Dynasty. An imperial edict from the Tongzhi Emperor era allowed missionary work and marked the start of modern Catholic presence on the island.
The central altar holds a statue of the Virgin Mary brought from Spain by Dominican missionaries more than 140 years ago. This figure remains a focus of devotion for the local Catholic community and draws visitors interested in missionary heritage.
The church opens daily except Sundays from 9 AM to noon and 2 PM to 5 PM, with visits possible outside mass times. The interior is accessible through the entrance doors, and visitors should remain quiet and wear modest clothing.
An imperial edict from the Tongzhi period hangs at the church entrance and documents official permission for Catholic missionary work in Taiwan. This historical paper is one of the few preserved records of its kind on the island.
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