Sacred Heart Cathedral of Guangzhou
The Sacred Heart Cathedral, also known as the "Stone House," is an active Catholic cathedral and an architectural monument in the center of Guangzhou. It was built in the 19th century by French missionaries and is one of the most significant Christian churches in South China. The cathedral is famous for its unique stone Gothic architecture for the region and its complex history.
Today, it is a popular place for tourists who want to see a historical landmark of Guangzhou that continues to serve religious purposes.
History of Construction and Founders
The cathedral was built during the period when Guangzhou (then Canton) became one of the key centers of foreign presence after the Opium Wars. Its construction is connected to French missionaries from the Paris Foreign Missions Society.
Start of Construction: The ceremonial laying of the foundation stone took place on December 28, 1863. The ceremony was conducted by Father Philibert.
Architect and Style: The project was designed by French architects, and the direct supervisor of construction was the Chinese master mason Cai Xiao. The cathedral was built in the Neo-Gothic style, using the famous Parisian Sainte-Chapelle cathedral as a model.
Completion and Consecration: The construction, which faced great difficulties (including the delivery of granite from an island at the Pearl River estuary), lasted 25 years. The solemn consecration of the cathedral took place on December 8, 1888, on the Catholic feast day of the Immaculate Conception.
Historical Events: Trials and Rebirth
The history of the cathedral reflects the tragic and pivotal events of 20th-century China:
World War II: During the Japanese bombing of Guangzhou in 1938, the cathedral was damaged but remained standing.
Restoration and Return: In 1979, with the start of the "reform and opening-up" policy, the building was recognized as an architectural monument. Its large-scale restoration began and was completed by 2004. The spires and crosses were restored, new bells were cast, and stained glass windows were created (though not the original ones). The cathedral was returned to the Catholic community and reopened for worship services.
Architecture and Dimensions: The "Stone House"
The popular name "Stone House" speaks for itself.
Material: The entire cathedral, including load-bearing structures, walls, columns, and even window frames, is built from granite blocks. This makes it unique for China and one of the few fully stone Gothic cathedrals in East Asia.
Dimensions: The length of the cathedral is 78.69 meters, the width is 35 meters, and the height of the two symmetrical western spire towers is 58.5 meters. It can accommodate up to 3,000 worshippers.
Architectural Features: The cathedral is an example of classic French Gothic architecture: pointed arches, buttresses, a rose window above the main entrance, and lancet windows with intricate tracery. The interior impresses with the height of its vaults (about 30 meters), slender columns, and the play of light passing through the colored stained-glass windows with biblical scenes.
Is It the Largest Cathedral in China?
The title of the largest by area and height belongs to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Nanjing (built in 2010, height 98 meters). However, the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Guangzhou is the largest and most architecturally complete historical Catholic cathedral in mainland China, built in the pre-revolutionary period. Its historical and cultural value is immeasurable.
What Can Tourists See Now?
Today, the cathedral is an active religious institution and a very popular tourist attraction in Guangzhou.
Exterior: Tourists can appreciate the monumentality of the granite walls, the details of the carved portal decorations, the majestic spires, and the quiet square in front of the cathedral, which is perfect for photography.
Interior: Inside, there is an atmosphere of solemn tranquility. You can admire the high vaults, new stained-glass windows, the altar, and the statues. It is quiet and cool here even on a hot day.
Services: Catholic masses are regularly held in the cathedral. The service schedule (in Cantonese and Mandarin) is posted at the entrance. During services, tourists can be inside, maintaining silence and respecting the religious feelings of the worshippers. At other times, the cathedral is open for free visits.
Important for Visitors: Photography inside is permitted without flash. There is often a queue at the entrance.
Visiting the Sacred Heart Cathedral is an opportunity to see a piece of Europe in the heart of South China. Despite its complex history, which included periods of closure and damage, the cathedral was fully restored. The cathedral in Guangzhou serves as an example of cultural heritage preservation and remains a significant place for both believers and visitors to the city.
