Cathedral of Immaculate Conception Chanthaburi
(อาสนวิหารพระนางมารีอาปฏิสนธินิรมล จันทบุรี)
Chanthaburi
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is the largest church in Thailand. It is located at Chanthanimit Road on the left bank of the Chanthaburi River at M.5, Santisook Road, Tambol Chantanimit, Amphur Muang, Chantaburi. The cathedral was founded during the reign of King Rama V. It was enlarged and rebuilt four times during the nineteenth century, especially due to the immigration of Vietnamese Christians escaping from religious persecution. In 1909, it was rebuilt in its current Gothic style and is similar to the Notre Dam Cathedral in Paris.

Measuring 60 meters in length by 20 meters width, the cathedral features two towers, one on each side of the building’s front elevation. The towers that soar into the sky symbolize the relationship between humans and God. If you climb to the top of the towers, you will enjoy a notable view of the town of Chanthaburi. The left tower includes a large clock that was added to the building in 1909. In 1926, three bells were installed within the same tower, the largest weighing 650 kilograms. The gables above the towers were removed in 1940 due to the Franco-Thai war (October 1940-May 1941) and then restored in 2009. The most special thing after the restoration is the wooden carved stairs, the door and the mirror image that tells the story of the saints according to the Bible. The statue of the Virgin Mary is decorated with more than 20 thousand karats of gems and 69 gold flowers.

The best time to come to the church is late morning since it is not crowded and tourists will be able to see a mirror image reflected in the sunlight. Visitors are required to dress properly in entering this church.

Open daily from 9 am to 4 pm.