St. Joseph’s Church
Bright yellow Catholic church on the river banks
On the banks of the Chao Phraya river opposite the South West tip of the historical island stands the Catholic St. Joseph’s church. A boat trip around the island offers great views of the bright yellow building from the river.
Founded in 1666, St. Joseph’s church served as the center of the French Catholic mission for about a century until the Burmese destroyed Ayutthaya in 1767. Rebuild and renovated several times, today St. Joseph’s is an active church. A mass is held every Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
Romanesque style church
The Romanesque style St. Joseph’s church stands out through its bright yellow color and its location on the river banks. Highlights of the building are its clock tower, its beautifully adorned dome and its stained glass windows with depictions of Biblical stories.
The church is set in large grounds with a well kept garden and a small lake. The deceased from the Ayutthaya Christian community have been buried at the graveyard. The oldest graves are those of French missionaries dating back to Ayutthaya era times.
History
During the 17th century Ayutthaya did extensive trade with several European and Asian countries several of which including Japan, Holland and Portugal established foreign settlements off the historical island.
The French missionary wanted to build a Catholic church in Ayutthaya and asked King Narai for permission. The King granted the French permission and gave them a piece of land on the banks of the Chao Phraya river opposite the capital city on the island.
In 1666 a temporary wooden church was constructed. A few decades later construction was started on a brick building. The European style cathedral was completed in 1695.
When the Burmese attacked Ayutthaya in 1767 local Christians fled to the church and sought refuge there. The church grounds was used as a garrison to fight the invaders. Unable to stop the invading Burmese, the building was completely destroyed.
Halfway the 19th century the church was rebuild. Since then, St. Joseph’s has been renovated several times, the last time in 2003.
Location & how to get there
St. Joseph’s church is found on the South bank of the Chao Phraya river opposite the historical island.
It is located at 30 Mu 11 Tambon Samphao Lom, just East of Khlong Takhian between Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Phutthaisawan.
Opening hours
Usually the church is locked. Saturday evenings at 7 pm and Sunday mornings at 9 am a Catholic mass is held. The church building opens about an hour before start of the mass.
Entrance fees
Entrance is free.