Xujiahui Cathedral (徐家汇天主堂), officially known as St. Ignatius Cathedral, is a magnificent and historic landmark located in the heart of Shanghai’s Xujiahui District. As the main cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Shanghai, this stunning building has been an essential part of the city’s religious and cultural fabric for over a century. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply curious about Shanghai’s rich Catholic heritage, a visit to this remarkable cathedral is a must. Below, we offer a detailed guide on how to visit this iconic site, its history, and architectural highlights.
Opening Hours and Visitor Information
- No Reservation Required: You do not need to make a reservation to visit Xujiahui Cathedral.
- Opening Hours: The cathedral is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM). Please note that on the first Friday of every month, the cathedral will be closed in the morning and will reopen at 1:00 PM.
- Closed on Mondays: The cathedral is closed on Mondays, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.
- Visitor Guidelines:
- Dress Code: Visitors must remove hats upon entering. Shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops are not allowed.
- Quiet and Respectful Behavior: Silence is requested inside the cathedral, and children are expected to remain quiet and not run around.
- Mobile Phones: Please ensure your phone is set to silent mode during your visit.
How to Get There
The cathedral is centrally located and easily accessible by public transportation:
Metro: Take Metro Line 1, 9, or 11 and get off at Xujiahui Station (徐家汇站). Exit through Exit 3. From here, follow the signs or take a short walk to the cathedral’s entrance.
A Brief History of Xujiahui Cathedral
Xujiahui Cathedral is one of Shanghai’s oldest and most revered religious structures. The cathedral’s official name, St. Ignatius Cathedral, honors St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus. The church has both an old and a new section:
The old church was built in 1851, but the current main structure, the new cathedral, was begun in 1906 and completed in 1910. The church’s design follows the French Gothic style, with striking twin spires that make it one of Shanghai’s most recognizable landmarks.
Architectural Features of Xujiahui Cathedral
St. Ignatius Cathedral stands as a towering example of Gothic architecture in Shanghai. Some of its most notable features include:
- Height and Size: The cathedral stands 79 meters tall and has a width of 28 meters, with the widest part of the cross-shaped structure extending 44 meters. It can accommodate over 3,000 people, making it one of the largest churches in East Asia.
- Exterior Design: The cathedral’s brick-and-wood structure is adorned with green stone accents and beast-shaped decorative elements around the water drainage points. These details are especially visible on the outer walls and contribute to the church’s unique appearance.
- Gothic Elements: The cathedral’s interior features Gothic-style “bundled columns” and pointed arches, with the roof reaching an impressive height of 25 meters.
- Facade and Rose Window: The grand rose window at the center of the façade is a signature feature of Gothic architecture. The two symmetrical spires on either side of the façade are crowned with crosses and tower above the cathedral, reaching 57 meters in height, with the highest point of the spire itself standing at 31 meters.
Interior Design of Xujiahui Cathedral
- Cross-shaped Layout: The layout of the cathedral follows a cross shape, with the front, middle, and rear halls forming the vertical arm, while the south and north wings form the horizontal arms.
- Vaulted Ceilings: Inside, the cathedral features ribbed vaulted ceilings in the central hall and side aisles, supported by bundled columns.
- Flooring: The main hall’s flooring is covered with large square tiles, while the aisles are paved with colorful porcelain tiles, creating a striking visual contrast.
- Stained Glass and Sculptures: The cathedral is adorned with beautiful stained glass windows and sculptures. The rose window is an especially beautiful example of the intricate craftsmanship, while the two prayer halls on either side of the main altar are filled with finely carved statues of saints.
The High Altar and Side Chapels of Xujiahui Cathedral
At the front of the cathedral stands the high altar, which originally featured a temporary altar upon the church’s completion in 1910. In 1919, a beautiful altar was specially transported from Paris, funded by a French widow. This altar, along with statues of St. Ignatius and eight other saints, is the focal point of the cathedral, drawing the attention of all visitors as they enter. On either side of the main hall, there are small prayer halls, offering a peaceful place for personal reflection.