Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Ayutthaya

St Joseph Church, Ayutthaya Overview

Amidst a sprawling garden along the banks of Chao Phraya, lies the grand and bright yellow building of Saint Joseph Catholic Church. There is a Catholic school right next to the church, which is why it's always bustling with noise and energy. The St Joseph Church is considered to be one of the oldest churches in Thailand. It was built on request by the Vietnamese missionaries who were headed by French bishop Lambert De La Motte. Since the church is within the premises of a school, it mostly remains closed. However, the main building opens for the mass on Saturdays and Sundays, during particular timings.

Active even today, St. Joseph Church served as the centre for the French Catholic Mission for the better part of a hundred years before it was destroyed by the Burmese invasion of Ayutthaya. Mass is held on the weekends at this iconic yellow church. The grounds include a small lake and gravestones of Catholics buried as far back as the 1500s.

Architecture of Saint Joseph Church

Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Ayutthaya — Source

The architecture of the building is quite fascinating as it is built on the Romanesque style of architecture and is contrasted with a bold and bright colour like yellow. Since it is one of the oldest churches of Thailand, Saint Joseph Catholic Church has few of the oldest burials made, in the cemetery that is within its premises, towards its backside.

The church had been beautifully designed with stained glass and domes all across it. These architectural designs adorn various stories from the Holy Bible. It also features a beautiful clock-tower. The grandiosity of the place is not only expressed by the expressive building, but also the aesthetically maintained surroundings. The beautiful garden all around the church along with a little lake within the premises is what captures the scenic beauty of the place.

Tips

As it is a place for worship, be respectful and dress decently (wear clothes covering your shoulders and knees)

How To Reach Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Ayutthaya

The Saint Joseph Church is located off the City Island, situated in the Southern area at 30 Mu 11 Tambon on Samphao Lom sub-district. It is on the Southern bank of the Chao Phraya river bordered by Wat Phuttaisawan and Khlong Takhain on either side, east and west respectively.

You can take a tuk-tuk (local transport) to reach the place. People also hire scooters and bikes to reach. It’s a lovely ride along the river. While taking that route, go west and cross the Chao Phraya river on the 3263 road bridge. Then, take the left to the south and pass by the Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Continue on the road till you reach the 3469. Once again, take a left turn and then drive a few hundred meters till you across the signs for the church on the left.