Immaculate Conception Church, Sam Sen, Bangkok
The Immaculate Conception Church (วัดคอนเซ็ปชัญแห่งพระแม่เจ้า) in Sam Sen, Bangkok is the oldest Catholic church in Thailand. It is one of a trio of historic, Portuguese churches in the Thai capital.
The others are the Santa Cruz Church (วัดซางตาครู้ส) in the Kudi Chin (aka Kudeejeen or Kudi Jeen) district and the Holy Rosary Church (วัดแม่พระลูกประคำ) in Talat Noi.
History
The first Portuguese priests and Dominican missionaries arrived in Siam in 1567 during the Age of Discoveries (Era dos Descobrimentos). At the time the Thai capital was in Ayutthaya upstream on the Chao Phraya River.
King Narai (1632-1668) granted the land on which the church stands to the Portuguese. Construction of the church began but was interrupted by the fall of Ayutthaya to the Burmese. The first church was completed in 1674 and was known as Wat Noi (Small Church).
However, the church was rebuilt in 1785 during the reign of King Rama I.
This church was replaced on two further occasions in 1832 and 1847. The building we see today dates from 1847 and the work of Monsignor Pallegoix, an influential French missionary in Thailand.
The early 18th and 19th century congregations were mainly Cambodian and Vietnamese Christians. They were refugees from various conflicts in their own countries at the time.
Features
Several statues adorn the interior including one of Our Lady of Mercy brought from Cambodia in the late 18th century. In addition, there are statues of St Anthony, the patron saint of Lisbon, and also a figure of the Virgin Mary.
The front of the church faces the Chao Praya River. Outside the building is a small courtyard with a rock garden dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Nearby is the St Francis Xavier Church and St Francis Xavier Convent School and a graveyard where priests from the church and local Christians have been laid to rest.
Soi Mitrakham, Samsen, Bangkok
Tel: 02 243 2617
www: Facebook
Hours: Mass (in Thai) is celebrated on Sundays at 6 am, 8.30 am and 5 pm; Saturdays 5.30 pm; weekdays 7 pm.
Access & Accommodation
The Sam Sen district of Bangkok is situated on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River north of the Khao San Road tourist enclave.
To get to Sam Sen take the BTS Skytrain to Victory Monument Station and then a bus (any of 2-EV, 4-61 EV, 4-62 AC).
Various bus routes also pass close to the church including the 4-40 and 3 AC buses.
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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.