Saint Cross Church, Catholic church building in Jingliao, Taiwan.
Saint Cross Church is a Catholic church building in Houbi District featuring a pyramid chapel, conical bell tower, basilica, and holy shrine. The aluminum-clad cypress-shaped towers create a distinctive silhouette against the skyline.
German priest Eric Jansen initiated construction in 1955, with architect Gottfried Boehm designing all plans from Germany without visiting Taiwan. This marked the creation of a distinctly modern Catholic site in the region.
The church maintains modern architectural elements rather than following the common practice of Taiwan's Catholic churches that blend Taoist temple design features. Visitors immediately notice this Western design language when entering the grounds.
Visitors must submit a bilingual application form through the church website at least one week before entering the interior. Advance planning is necessary, though the outdoor grounds are often accessible without prior reservation.
The grounds include a small museum documenting the church's history, alongside a dormitory and kindergarten that serve the local community. This combination makes it more than a place of worship but rather a functioning community center.
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