Located in the heart of Talat Noi, Holy Rosary Church is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, known for its rich history and vibrant community life, making it a must-visit landmark in Samphanthawong, Thailand. Visitors can appreciate its unique architectural features, attend spiritual services, or explore the surrounding area filled with culture and history.
Holy Rosary Church, situated on Soi Wanit 2 in Talat Noi, embodies a remarkable blend of cultural heritage and architectural beauty that draws both locals and tourists alike. Constructed in the early 20th century, the church is known for its striking Gothic design, characterized by intricate stained-glass windows and ornate details. The serene atmosphere inside invites contemplation and reflection, making it a cherished place for spiritual gatherings and community events. The church stands as a testament to the rich history of the area, which was once a bustling trading hub. Surrounding the church are narrow streets filled with local shops, eateries, and historical sites, adding to the immersive experience of visiting. Tourists can not only marvel at the stunning architecture but also engage with the local culture, participate in traditional ceremonies, and enjoy the lively ambiance of Talat Noi. Whether you are seeking spiritual solace or cultural insight, Holy Rosary Church offers an enriching experience that highlights the unique charm of Samphanthawong, making it a significant landmark to explore.
วัดพระแม่ลูกประคำ (กาลหว่าร์) (กรุงเทพมหานคร (กทม.), ไทย) - รีวิว - ThailandAgoda.com
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Holy Rosary Church is perched on a picturesque hilltop overlooking Soi Wanit 2 Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Thailand
Enjoy the time here, we had visited in early morning when not many people visit. The street food stalls nearby worth trying and taste good.
The first Europeans to land and establish ties in Siam were Portuguese. Hence they were given their own settlement in Ayutthaya where they had 3 churches. After the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767 the Portuguese fled to Bangkok. Here the Church of Santa Cruz was established on the west bank of Chao Phraya but when the French clergy started dominating it the Portuguese decided to build a new church on the east bank of the river in 1787. Initially, The Holy Rosary Church was a wooden structure standing on stilts. The current building evolved after 3 extensive reconstructions. The locals call this beautiful church ‘Kalawar’ which is named after the mountain where Jesus Christ was mounted onto the cross. The English name of the church comes from “rosarium”, Latin for rose garden. The tall steeple, arched windows and stained glass windows give the church a very European feel.
We came here on the river cruise and the church is in lovely cream colors, a really old church said to have been built four years before Bangkok was founded. It is advisable to arrive here hungry as there are plenty of street food available and at really cheap prices.
So great to participate a Chinese Sunday Mass, I was attracted by the legendarily building and atmosphere.
In a country where Buddhism is a clear 90% and above, the fact that this beautiful church can co-exist shows how Thailand is such a peace loving country that embraces personal freedom! It is a lovely Neo-Gothic church, well maintained and well preserved. Worth the visit to take some pictures!
This is about a 1km walk from Hua Lamphong MRT station.Enter via the school entrance, off to the right of where you think it should be.A relaxing atmosphere and beautiful stained glass windows.The whole thing is beautifully decorated.Recommended for a visit.
Small but astonishing church. The architecture, wooden bench, interior painting & ornaments threw me back a hundred years. I first saw it when riding boat along Chao Pray river & decided to visit. I was glad I did.
Not as elaborate at the Cathedral from the French era, Holy Rosary is older from when the Portuguese were in town. They gave way to the Chinese and the church is presently at the gateway to China Town.
While travelling there wll come along the way some unexpected surprises, twists and turn that you never expected. One of them is right at the heart of Bangkok, one of my most visited cities in the world. It wss Christmas day that time and I was looking for a church being a Christian to offer my prayers. My local friend adviced me that there is one such near Icon Siam along the Chao Phraya river were we are heading to. Located at Samphanthawong district along the Eastern bank of this mighty river. Built in 1787 and rebuilt in the 1890’s, it is a Gothic style church established by the Portuguese. With its lovely, soft, warm light Pastel Yellow facade and a towering Crystal White spheres on top it is one of the most beautiful, iconic and classic church I’ve been to. It exhudes this simplicity and elegance yet there’s a feeling of humility and holisticity that only this church caught my attention. It is one of the prettiest and classic church I’ve ever been and I never imagined to see it here in Bangkok!!! :=)Gettiing there we took a car and parked outside the church on a narrow road across the river along Riverside mall. We entered from its right side and from there on I’m already hooked by its beautify – the intricate design, colour pattern of pastel red, white and yellow and unique elements of a Gothic church truly is one of utmost beauty. The surrounding gardens, patio and plaza of the outside the church is also very spacious, relaxing and lovely. I loved the colorful tiled floorings of interconnecting shapes of diamonds and octagon in a Red, Black, Blue pattern which truly compliments this amazing church. There are benches all around the park with plentiful trees to give you a breath of fresh air and cover from sunlights. Since its Christmas that time they put on a colorful and vibrant Christmas tree not too tall but enough to stand out just on the left side front of the church before the seating stone bench. I loved the simple signage indicating we’ve reached Kalawar church and a Golden Parole or Star in front of the church’s main door.There are no mass schedule when we went there around 4 in the afternoon but the church was open for us to visit and pray inside. And we were lucky it was!!! If the outside is already stunning the inside is equally amazing!!! True to its Gothic revival form, the shape inside is based on the Crucifix symbol and the intricate Brown marble floorings will lead the Cross shape way to the main altar. The interior of the church maintend its classic architecture and stayed with Gothic revival style since it was rebuit in the late 19th century. The Pew or the long wooden benches were carefully and well maintained so seating there feels I’ve went back in time during the Portuguese settlement. I made my Prayers for a few mins and immersed myslef in the presence of the Lord and embraced the classic elegance of this historic church. The chuch has Golden Brown, Yellow, Black arched ceiling and with intricate and ornate round circular interconnecting patterns. The ceilings are not that high and there are classic Yellowish ceiling fans and ornate chandeliers hanging in orderly interconnecting placement in rows. The stainded glass colorful windows surround either side of the Pews and at the main altar and I loved the sunlights peeking thru these glass windows truly mystical. And right at the center front of the church sits the main altar. The main altar is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever since. Simple yet classic and maintained its authenticity. First thing I’ve noticed is the hallowed dome on top of the altar and there are 3 huge ornate chandeliers hanging giving it so much beauty.. The patron of the church is our Lady of the Holy Rosary and she is perfectly placed in front of the main altar on an arched placement in the wall I could remember there are 6 statues of Saints and the Apostles – 3 on each side on an arched placement surrounding the Virgin Mary. At the center floor of the altar stands the off white marble pavement flooring which holds the marble altar table. And behind the table stands the Golden Crucifix of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Eucharist on a Golden enclosement standing and placed on the same off white intricate marble stand. Since its Christmas there is a 6 foot colorful Christmas tree and smaller ones placed on the right side of the altar and in front of the altar table.At the farther end on both sides on the right there is a coloroful and glorious Natvitiy scene when Christ was born and is normally put on Christmas season at many Catholic churches. And at the left the is a Purple altar dedicated to Sacred Heart of Lord Jesus Christ. On the right side of the altar just across the Xmas tree and in between 2 stainded glass windows there is a traditional wooden, ornate Pulpit normally used in the Medieval times and not so today but its still an important part of some historic churches likes the Kalawar church. Pulpis are reserved for Priests to provide sermon, its elevated, and normally on the right front side of the altar.Afrer I said my prayers and took my inspiring photos and videos I proceeded back to the Church’s main door and on the left side there is a candle Votive normally a black metal stand which holds many candles for offerings. I didn my prayers and offerings for Xmas for my family, friends and loved ones and lit a candle and made my offerings here. On the right side of the main door, there is a wooden enclosed Confession booth and there are tons of offering boxes, relics and depictions of the stations of the cross. Despite the church not air-conditioned I loved the idea that they kept their classic, unique, historic Gothic heritage and the traditional culture, architecture and design of medieval churches not found anywhere else in the world now. And what’s more it is very well maintained indeed truly exceptional and amazing!!Finally before we left the church grounds, I took a little sit at the brown bench in front of the church and behind me is the glistening Xmas tree outside feeling happy, relieved and in peace during this Season of Giving. Now everytime I visit Bangkok, I make sure to drop by and visit Kalawar church and made my prayers for my family, friends and loved ones!!! 🙂
Stained glass windows are colorful and luminous. Statues are magnificent. The ceiling is well decorated. The ambience is tranquil.