A Journey to Chanthaburi: The Immaculate Conception Cathedral The Immaculate Conception Cathedral, located in Chanthaburi, stands as one of the most stunning cathedrals in Thailand.

This temple received the Outstanding Building Conservation Award in 2000 from the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage.

On a somewhat gloomy Friday morning, we had an important travel appointment. It was our first time driving a long distance, from Bangkok to Chanthaburi. However, it was already 10:00 AM before we could finally set off.

We opted for the expressway, intending to exit at Bang Na-Trat, but ended up at Bang Phli Expressway instead. Nevertheless, we managed to reach the motorway without much difficulty.

Throughout the journey, although it was not as straight as my younger brother said, it was not too far off. There were only a few curves, which caused a lot of problems for a driver like me who has not been driving for six months. But that's it, dear reader, we've come this far… let's keep fighting, Takeshi!!! (Who is that?)

Interior decoration of the temple

We arrived in Mueang Chanthaburi district at around 2:00 PM. Our first destination was the magnificent **Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception**, also known as the **Church of Our Lady Mary**, a landmark highly revered by the local community. This stunning cathedral is widely considered one of the most beautiful in Thailand.

Altar, Ritual Platform

The ceiling of the temple is decorated with a wooden Noah's Ark.

The two spires originally adorned the belfries, but during World War II in 1940, the government ordered their removal due to concerns that they would become targets for enemy aircraft. After the war ended, they were reinstalled on December 11, 2009. The temple is over 109 years old.

The cathedral has been an integral part of the Chanthaburi community for centuries, dating back to the reign of King Sanphet IX. The first cathedral was built by a group of 130 Vietnamese people who fled religious persecution in Vietnam and settled in Chanthaburi in 1611. Father Heit Tolancino, a Catholic priest, oversaw the Vietnamese community and constructed the first cathedral between 1630 and 1652.

Following unrest in the village, some Christians left, leaving the church in disrepair. A new church, the second, was built in 1652 by Father Degoana. During the time of Father Matthias, the third church was built and moved to its current location (east side) in 1734. In 1755, during the time of Father Rangfang, a new church, the fourth, was built. The current church was built by Father Perigal, with the cornerstone laid on January 6, 1806.

The Immaculate Conception Cathedral is considered one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Thailand and is the only cathedral-level church in eastern Thailand. Its prominent feature is the sharp spires on the two bell towers.

The cathedral's interior features a ceiling decorated with Noah's Ark, Gothic-style window panes, and stained glass artwork. Additionally, the interior houses a valuable statue of the Virgin Mary, adorned with over 200,000 gems, or more than 20,000 carats, and a base cast in pure silver, embellished with gold and various gems. The cathedral was awarded the Outstanding Building Conservation Award in 2000 by the Siam Architect Association under Royal Patronage.

Gothic Tracery and Stained Glass

This phrase describes two key features of Gothic architecture:

• Gothic Tracery: This refers to the elaborate and intricate patterns created by the stonework in Gothic windows. These patterns often feature pointed arches, quatrefoils, and other geometric shapes.
• Stained Glass: This refers to the brightly colored glass panels that were used to fill the windows in Gothic buildings. These panels often depicted religious scenes, biblical stories, and other symbolic imagery.

Together, Gothic tracery and stained glass created a unique and awe-inspiring aesthetic that was central to the Gothic style. The tracery provided a framework for the stained glass, while the stained glass added color and light to the interior of the building. This combination of elements helped to create a sense of mystery and wonder that was characteristic of Gothic architecture.

A statue of the Virgin Mary adorned with over 200,000 gemstones, weighing over 20,000 carats.
The base is cast in pure silver, and the statue is adorned with gold and various precious stones.

Gothic tracery and stained glass windows

One of the most acclaimed and beautiful decorations in Thailand

Photography is permitted inside the temple, but inappropriate behavior and revealing clothing are prohibited. Visitors must dress modestly to enter the temple. Despite not being a holiday, the temple was bustling with tourists during our visit.

This chapel received the Outstanding Building Conservation Award in 1999 from the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage.

Virgin Mary

The temple is not only beautiful inside, but also outside. In the vicinity, there are many shops selling food, snacks, and other items, as well as a small shop offering free portrait painting services for visitors.

In addition, nearby, there is an old community called "Riverside Chanthaburi Community", which is over 1 kilometer long, where you can walk, sightsee, taste, and shop in the traditional atmosphere of Chanthaburi people.

A variety of shops in front of the school, next to the Virgin Mary Shrine.

Free portrait drawing service for photo souvenirs.

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กินอิ่ม ในบรรยากาศอบอุ่น Review Light House Bar&Grill @ Peggy's Cove Fisherman Village อ่าวคุ้งวิมาน จันทบุรี

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