The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the largest Catholic church in Thailand , located in Khet Bangrak in central Bangkok . The cathedral is the main temple of the Bangkok archdiocese .
History
The church was built in 1821 under King Rama II by the French, although the French missionary father Pascal requested the construction back in 1809. Construction was sponsored by Chinese philanthropist and businessman Hyok Chan Low . Materials for the construction were brought from Italy and France. In 1909-1918 the church was reconstructed in the Romanesque style . In 1942, the building was damaged by bombing.
In addition to the cathedral itself, the complex includes a monastery , a Catholic mission building, farm buildings.
In 1984, during his visit to Thailand, the cathedral was visited by Pope John Paul II .
Divine services in the cathedral are held every day.
See also
- Catholicism in Thailand
- Christianity in Thailand