Santa Cruz Church
Photo by Supanut Arunoprayote (CC BY 4.0)

Santa Cruz Church

Santa Cruz Church is one of the Roman Catholic churches in Bangkok. Meaning “Holy Cross” in Portuguese, Santa Cruz was built by Portuguese settlers some 250 years ago.

Standing on the banks of the Chao Phraya river in a quiet historic area, the atmosphere is peaceful and serene. In Thai known as Wat Kudi Jeen, the church is located in walking distance from Wat Arun.

Roman Catholic Church

Santa Cruz Church is one of the Roman Catholic churches in Bangkok, the others being Holy Rosary Church and Assumption Cathedral.

Built by Portuguese

Santa Cruz was founded by Portuguese settlers who lived in the Portuguese village in Ayutthaya. After the destruction of the city by the Burmese in 1767 they fled South to Thonburi, where King Taksin established the new capital. As the Portuguese had fought for Ayutthaya in the war against Burma in 1767, King Taksin rewarded them with a plot of land where they settled and founded Santa Cruz Church near Wang Derm palace.

In historic Kudi Chin area

Santa Cruz Church is located in the Kudi Chin area, an old authentic area of Bangkok with narrow streets and old houses. The area was settled by the Portuguese after the fall of Ayutthaya. To this day local shops sell Portuguese snacks and sweets.

The first wooden church

The first church built in 1776 was made of wood. In 1833 the church and several nearby buildings burnt down.

The church rebuilt

After the fire, the church was rebuilt in bricks. The present building dates from 1916, when it was extensively renovated in Italianate style.

Santa Cruz Church became a center for all Catholics from various nationalities. It was the main Catholic church in Thailand until Assumption Cathedral was completed in 1821.

Exterior of the building

The cream colored building has a central tower with a reddish dome, on top of which stands a cross. Three arched entrances facing the Chao Phraya river lead to the interior of the building.

Inside Santa Cruz Church

Once inside, you will find an interior in vibrant colors and various Christian imagery. To the back of the building is a dome with a depiction of Jesus on the cross. In front of it is the alter from where the preacher delivers the sermon.

The ceiling is adorned with blue and gold painted decorations.

Colored stained glass windows

Beautiful colored stained glass in arched windows depict stories from the Bible.

Around the church

In front of the church entrance are two white statues of Jesus and Mary. Around the building are an image of Jesus hanging from the cross, the Virgin Mary and several statues of monks wearing brown robes.

Masses

Masses are held in Thai language each Sunday at 8:30 am and 7 pm.

Opening hours

The church usually opens daily from 5 pm until 7 pm.

Location

Santa Cruz Church is located at Thetsaban Sai 1 Road on the West bank of the Chao Phraya river, in the Thonburi district of Bangkok.

The church is in walking distance from Wat Kalayanamit and the Kian Un Keng Shrine.

How to get there

The easiest way to get there is to take a cross river ferry from Atsadang pier to Wat Kalayanamit pier at 6 Baht each way. From there, it’s a few hundred meters walk along the river to the church. To get to Atsadang pier, take a river express boat to Rajinee pier (N7).

Getting around Bangkok: BTS Sky Train, river boat, MRT Subway, Taxi, Tuk Tuk

Entrance fee

Entrance to the church is free.

Baan Kudichin Museum

About a hundred meters from Santa Cruz Church is the Baan Kudichin Museum. The museum is dedicated to the history of the area and the Portuguese that lived there. It exhibits old photos, paintings, memorabilia and books as well as items from Santa Cruz Church.

The museum opens Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 am until 6 pm. It is located on 271 Thetsaban Sai 1 Road, about a hundred meters walk from the church.