Photo by Supanut Arunoprayote (CC BY 4.0)
Holy Rosary Church
Holy Rosary Church is a beautiful European style Roman Catholic church built by Portuguese settlers. Standing on the banks of the Chao Phraya river, the atmosphere is peaceful and serene.
On the Chao Phraya river
Holy Rosary Church stands on the East bank of the river in the Talat Noi area. You can watch the beautiful cream colored building from aboard a river cruise boat or from one of the Chao Phraya express river boats.
Wat Kalawar
In Thai the church is known as Wat Kalawar, from the Portuguese word Calvario. In English Calvary or Golgotha, the church is named after the hill just outside Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified.
Built by Portuguese settlers
Holy Rosary Church was built by Portuguese traders who lived in the Portuguese village in Ayutthaya. When Ayutthaya was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767, they fled South to Bangkok. In 1769 they settled in the area that is today Talat Noi in Bangkok. Another group of Portuguese Catholics settled on the West bank of the Chao Phraya river and built the Santa Cruz church.
The first wooden church
The first church, a wooden building on stilts, was completed in 1787. In 1838 a brick and wood building was constructed to replace the old wooden one.
New church built in 1897
When the building had fallen into a state of disrepair the pastor had a new church built, a brick structure. After six years of construction, the new church was completed in 1897.
Exterior
Holy Rosary Church is built in Gothic Revival style. On the sides of the cream colored building are large arched windows with stained glass. Outside the church stands a large statue of the Virgin Mary, Jesus’s mother.
Façade facing the river
The Holy Rosary Church’s beautiful façade faces the Chao Phraya river. Three arched entrances lead to the inside of the building. Over the main entrance is a small shrine with the Virgin Mary. A cross is mounted on the tall, slender steeple.
Photo by Thammarith Likittheerameth (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Interior
The most attractive features of the church interior are the beautifully adorned ceilings and stained glass windows. Below the large dome at the back of the church is the alter from where the vicar delivers the sermon. The church enshrines the holy Our Lady of the Rosary image.
Stained glass windows
Very attractive are the colorful stained glass windows in large arched windows depicting Jesus’ crucifixion and other biblical stories.
Conservation award
Holy Rosary Church is very well preserved. Its conservation efforts have been awarded with a conservation award fro the Association of Siamese Architects.
Mass
A mass is held in Thai language on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Initially a Portuguese church, today the Holy Rosary Church’ congregation consists of mainly Asian Christians.
Opening hours
The church opens daily for visitors.
Location
Holy Rosary Church is located on the East bank of the Chao Phraya river in the Talat Noi area of Bangkok. The building stands on the same grounds as the Kularb Wittaya School at 987 Vanich 2 Alley.
How to get there
You can get to the church by river boat, subway, taxi or tuk tuk.
River boat
The nearest Chao Phraya Express river boat pier is N4 Marine Department served by the orange flag boats. From the pier it takes about five minutes on foot.
MRT Subway
The church is about one kilometer or a 15 minute walk from either MRT Subway station or central train station Hua Lamphong.
Taxi or tuk tuk
If you are not near a river pier or an MRT station, take a taxi or a tuk tuk. Make sure the taxi driver uses the meter or agree on a price with the tuk tuk driver.
Entrance fee
Entrance to the church is free.
Other churches
Other catholic churches in Bangkok are:
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