Saint Joseph Catholic Church

Hidden among the ancient streets of Cishan is a graceful and elegant Gothic Revival building: the Saint Joseph Catholic Church. It was commissioned by Father De Khand of the Dominican Order in 1959 and designed and built by an Italian architect to facilitate missionary work. The church stands three stories tall, with a soaring gable on its facade, presented in a simple yet elegant grey exposed aggregate finish. Above the main entrance is a statue of Jesus, flanked by two symmetrical tall towers, complemented by long arched windows and rose window reliefs. The intricate interplay of varying gables and circular arches showcases exquisite craftsmanship, while the sides feature a series of pointed arch windows, creating a soaring, heavenward visual effect. Inside the church's sanctuary, magnificent and lifelike murals depict stories of God and saints. Paired with the high-pitched wooden beam structure, they imbue this religious edifice with a sacred and ethereal atmosphere. For its classical elegance, Saint Joseph Catholic Church was ranked first in Kaohsiung County and 21st nationwide in the 'Top 100 Historical Buildings of Taiwan' selected by the Council for Cultural Affairs in 2001. It is well worth a visit for travelers who appreciate historical architecture.