St. Joseph's Church, a beautiful Christian church from the Ayutthaya period, is considered one of the most stunning in Ayutthaya.

St. Joseph's Church, one of the most beautiful Christian churches of the Ayutthaya period in Ayutthaya.

Many people are following in the footsteps of Mae Ying Karakade and Mor Puen at Ayutthaya. Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a popular destination, but today we will introduce another historical site with a long history dating back to the Ayutthaya period during the reign of King Narai the Great. This site has also received an award for outstanding architectural conservation.

Bishop Lambert, accompanied by Father de Bourges and Father Deydier, embarked on a journey by ship to Ayutthaya, then the capital under the reign of King Narai the Great. Bishop Lambert and Father Deydier attempted to continue their journey to China (their true destination, not Ayutthaya), but their ship was wrecked by a storm, forcing them to return to Ayutthaya. They took refuge in the camp of the Vietnamese Christians. During King Narai's reign, trade flourished, attracting many foreigners to reside in Ayutthaya (as depicted in historical dramas). The influx of foreigners also brought various religions. King Narai, known for his diplomatic prowess, granted a plot of land along the riverbank and promised materials for the construction of a church. In 1666, the construction of a brick school and a temporary wooden church began. This complex became known as the "Camp of Saint Joseph."

The Church of St. Joseph was considered the center of the Siamese Christian community during that era. However, during the fall of Ayutthaya, the church was burned down and looted. Father Jean-Baptiste Palgu subsequently restored the church in 1831.

Travel

- Take a van to the end of Pla Laan Road in Ayutthaya (Chao Phrom Market).

• Walk into the market to catch a small songthaew (a type of shared taxi) to Wat Kai Tia. You can get off right in front of the church entrance (this place is also known as the St. Joseph School of Ayutthaya).

As we enter the compound, we pass by the Assumption College Ayutthaya, a school affiliated with the church. Located within the same grounds, we immediately encounter the church itself, a stunning riverside structure.

Designed by Father Perro, the then parish priest, and Italian architect Joachim Grazi, the church boasts a Romanesque Revival architectural style and features a single bell tower.

The temple has undergone continuous restoration, with a major renovation completed in 2004.

The exterior is adorned with numerous sculptures and teachings, offering visitors a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

"The judgment is this: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed." (John 3:19-20)

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:6

"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." John 14:3

On the way back, we can also see many people who have come to follow in the footsteps of Mae Karaket at Wat Chai.

Don't let your historical site photography and exploration be a fleeting moment. Let's delve into the past together at Ayutthaya.

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