Assumption Cathedral, Bangkok, Thailand

Assumption Cathedral, Bangkok, Thailand

Assumption Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Bangkok, Thailand

a relief mural along a wall near the cathedral in Bangkok

Assumption Cathedral ( อาสนวิหารอัสสัมชัญ) is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Bangkok and of the Roman Catholic Church in Thailand. The cathedral, which looks something like Notre Dame in Paris, was built in 1821, and sits in a beautiful spot along the Chaophraya River in Bangkok, Old Town.

Assumption Cathedral

In 1809, French missionary Father Pascal got permission from HM King Ram II to build a Catholic church in Bangkok. The church was granted a prime spot along the "River of Kings", and in 1821, the cathedral was completed. Sadly, major parts of the original cathedral building were damaged during the Second World War, however Assumption Cathedral today is as beautiful as ever.

The entrance to the cathedral is flanked by two bronze statues, one of St. Peter, the first pope, and the other of Pope St. John Paul II, who visited Thailand in 1984 on a historic trip through Asia.

The beautiful old cathedral is the site of a crypt holding relics to some of the most prominent European missionaries and Thai priests who were influential in establishing Thai Catholicism.

It has also hosted a number of very important royal visitors, including Princes Ananda Mahidol and  Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej, brothers who would go on to become Kings Rama VIII and IX respectively. In 2002, then Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn (King Rama X) paid a visit to the cathedral to visit the kingdom's Catholic community.

interior of Bangkok, Thailand's Assumption Cathedral

It was a hot Thai afternoon when I visited the cathedral, although the interior, tiled in Italian marble, was cool and dark. The cathedral's stained glass windows, which tell major Old and New Testament stories from the Bible, lit the quiet sanctuary in a dim, colorful glow.

stained glass windows

I've been living in Bangkok for six years, and this was my first time visiting this beautiful and historical old cathedral.

Assumption Cathedral Sanctuary, Bangkok, Thailand

Today, the cathedral grounds are home to three very prestigious schools: Assumptionsuksa School (a very well-regarded private school), Assumption College, and the Assumption Convent. Like at any good Catholic cathedral, there is a very good gift shop and bookstore! Interestingly, you can find Thai-style Catholic amulets and items of devotion that are designed with a uniquely Thai artistry.

How to get to Assumption Cathedral in Bangkok, Thailand

• The cathedral is located along the riverside near the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Charoenkrung Road in Bangkok's Old Town. The easiest way to get to Assumption Cathedral is to take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station, and then walk or take a taxi the 2 km or so to the cathedral.
• 57 Oriental Ave, Khwaeng Bang Rak, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500