Holy Rosary Church, Talat Noi, Bangkok
The Holy Rosary Church (วัดแม่พระลูกประคำ) in Talat Noi, Bangkok is one of three historic, Portuguese churches in Bangkok, Thailand.
The others are the Santa Cruz Church (วัดซางตาครู้ส) in the Kudi Chin (aka Kudeejeen or Kudi Jeen) district and the Immaculate Conception Church in Sam Sen.
History
Following the fall of Ayutthaya to the Burmese in 1767, the Siamese capital moved to Thonburi (on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in present-day Bangkok). Portuguese who had arrived in Siam during the Age of Discoveries (Era dos Descobrimentos) were granted land to settle here along with other foreign communities by King Taksin.
However, a group of Portuguese moved to the opposite side of the river in what is now Talat Noi. They initially rejected French priests at the Santa Cruz Church.
They built a simple, wooden church here in 1787 which later also became managed by French priests. As the Portuguese community gradually dispersed, Chinese, Vietnamese and Cambodian immigrants made up most of the congregation.
The first church was replaced by a more sturdy, brick and masonry building in 1838. This in turn was replaced by the grand, Gothic Revival church we see today, consecrated in 1887.
Features
The church is known for its stained glass windows that are some of the most beautiful in Thailand. Also of note is the gilded, ornate ceiling.
The main façade faces the Chao Phraya River and entry is through the gates of an adjacent school - the Kularb Wittaya School.
Cruciform in layout the cross-topped spire is particularly impressive from a river boat or the opposite side of the river.
1318 Soi Wanit 2, Yotha Rd, Talat Noi
Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Tel: 02 266 4849
www: rosary.catholic.or.th (in Thai) / Facebook
Hours: Mass (in Thai) is celebrated on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Access & Accommodation
The Talat Noi district of Bangkok is situated on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River not far north of the River City Bangkok shopping mall.
To get to Talat Noi take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Marine Department and walk south. Alternatively, take the MRT Blue Line to Hua Lamphong Station.
Various bus routes also pass close to the church including the 93 AC bus.
Book hotels near Holy Rosary Church with Booking.com
Gallery
Related
Baan Kudichin Museum explains the history of the early Portuguese who settled in Thailand.
Visitors to Porto can experience the Age of Discovery at the excellent World of Discoveries museum.
The Portuguese Discoveries Wax Museum (Museu de Cera dos Descobrimentos) which opened in 2014 in Lagos on the Algarve brings the period to life through wax figures.