Cathedral Minor Basilica, A Sanctuary of Gothic Grace and Devotion

151, Wufu 3rd Rd, Qianjin District, Kaohsiung City

A building in Kaohsiung with strong religious features

4.2

Introduction

The Rose Virgin Mary Temple, located on the opposite side of Love River, is the first Catholic church in Taiwan. It was built during the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty and is currently one of the largest cathedrals in Taiwan. Despite the backdrop of traditional Chinese temples in Taiwan, its magnificent Gothic and Romanesque spires and exquisite interior decoration are still breathtaking. Although the church's appearance is not considered magnificent and cannot compare to European churches, its 150-year history and status as the birthplace are not to be overlooked. In 1859, Father Jordi Guallar from Spain and of Fujianese origin landed in the former Gangkou Port, Taku, and hung "By order" on the main door of the church. This was to inform the society at the time that Catholicism was permitted by the emperor in Taiwan, encouraging people to avoid irrational hostility and to prevent trouble. This church is the center of Catholicism in Kaohsiung and southern Taiwan, as well as the birthplace of modern Catholicism in Taiwan, with significant importance to the history and culture of Catholicism in Taiwan.

Address

151, Wufu 3rd Rd, Qianjin District, Kaohsiung City

Opening hours

【Original visiting hours】:
The church is open for visitors on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday from 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00, and on Thursday from 11:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00.
【Flexible adjustments to opening hours】Due to limited volunteers, visiting hours may be temporarily suspended based on the situation. To avoid interruption of your visiting schedule or in case of special events inside the church, please contact the secretary before your visit: +886-7-2214434, +886-7-2823860.
On Saturday and Sunday, only Mass services are available for the faithful.

Transportation

Take the bus routes 2, 11, 33, or 50 to get to Rose Hall.

Phone +886-7-2214434, +886-7-2823860

Website http://www.rosary.org.tw