The Assumption Cathedral

Located in the old neighbourhood of Bang Rak, the iconic 109-year-old Assumption Cathedral has long been a popular hub for Catholic pilgrims in Bangkok. Tomorrow evening, it will be a major site for Pope Francis to celebrate Mass with students.

Sitting on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, its history began when the original Thai-Chinese style structure was built in 1820 before being replaced with the present building in 1909. Bigger and more elegant, this Renaissance-style sanctuary was designed by a French architect in tribute to the Virgin Mary.

Using first-class materials imported from France, Italy and Singapore, it boasts an exterior symmetric structure with semicircular arches, windows and verandas in Romanesque-style. The interior decor is a mixture of neoclassical and French colonial style, complete with a limestone brick structure and semicircular doorway adorned with different layers of leaves.

Like being in heaven, the high ceiling looks like the night sky with hundreds of shining stars, symbolic of God’s favour. The walls are furnished with an astonishing collection of 40 stained glass windows detailing the creation of Earth and humanity and the major events of Christ’s life.

Above the grand white marble altar, the impressive murals illustrate the Virgin Mary ascending to heaven. There’s also a crypt, home to the remains of bishops and a lifelike wax figure of Blessed Nicolas Bunkerd Kitbamrung, who the church considers to be a martyr for the faith.