Shanghai Xu Jia Hui Cathedral
Xujiahui Cathedral, the largest Catholic church in Shanghai, was constructed at No.158 Puxi Road in 1910. It creates a mysterious illusion of the heaven that it is the nearest away from the sky. This is the result of its typical Gothic construction style. No meter how many area covered, the most important is the distance with the God. The building is narrow. There are two Gothic towers of 60 meters high and the principal part of the church is at the center.
The church has a gorgeous discal embossment in the middle part of the building, looking like the shape of Roman Clock from long-distance. The outer walls are made up of red bricks. The roof is covered with plumbaginous tiles decorated with many sculptures of the Holy Son and the God. The church has heart-shaped gate full of catholic atmosphere, which keeps the distance with Human’s mentality and strengthen mystery of the God. There are 64 carved circular columns, which are connected with the arches at the top. On the top of both sides are the ambulatories additionally the high vault, so it seems the God immanence. On the altar far from the door stands the sculpture of Mary holding the Baby Jesus and looking down the whole hall. Behind the main altar there is our Lady of Lourdes. The famous religion paining The Last Supper hangs on the back wall. With colored glasses enchased, the windows of the church look delicate and fine. A garden is in front of the church, like a part of the church naturally. Its loneness answers for the religiosity of the church.Location: No.158, Puxi Road
Bus Route: Bus 15,42, 93
