Dosaki Church
Also written: 堂崎天主堂 · 堂崎大教堂
A scenic spot where the blue sea contrasts with a red-brick church, telling the history of the Gotō Christians.
An Illustrated Japan / Nagasaki / Famous Views
About this place
Standing quietly on a small peninsula over Okura Bay, Dosaki Church (Do-zaki Tenshudo) is the first church built after the 1873 lifting of Edo's Christian ban on the Goto Islands, completed May 10, 1908 Meiji 41. Designed by Father Peru, constructed by Yohichi Nohara and later the famous church builder Yosuke Tetsukawa, its brick Gothic one-story is the first Western-style building in Goto and became the model for other island churches. Interior is wooden with rib-vault ceiling reportedly shipped from Italy, and stained glass features camellia, Goto's flower. Its patron is the Twenty-Six Martyrs including St. John Goto from Goto. Here French Father Frenaud celebrated Goto's first Christmas Dec 24, 1873, and Father Marman founded an orphanage Kobeya and women's convent. Designated Nagasaki Prefecture Tangible Cultural Property in 1974, it now operates as a Christian Museum narrating Goto Kirishitan persecution and faith. The contrast of red brick against blue sea and inlet makes it scenically emblematic, preserved as a related asset of World Heritage Kirishitan sites. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience.
