Holy Rosary Catholic Church

The Holy Rosary Catholic Church, located at Wufu 3rd Road, Lingya District, Kaohsiung City, was first established during the Qing Dynasty's Xianfeng era and was commonly known as Qianjin Catholic Church. Father Li An-si led the fundraising and construction of its Gothic style. Inside the main church, the central altar houses a statue of the Virgin Mary, making it Taiwan's first Catholic church. This church was built in 1859 by two Spanish missionaries, Father Terdirand (郭德剛) and Father Angel Bofurull (洪保祿, O.P.), when they arrived in Taiwan to preach. It was rebuilt in 1860 and officially named 'Our Lady of the Rosary Church'. In 1928, it was rebuilt again in a Renaissance style, featuring particularly beautiful and distinct arched decorative lines on the ceiling, rich in geometric patterns. The shrines and altars in the sanctuary showcase Chinese carving artistry, making it regarded as Taiwan's most richly decorated church and well worth a visit. The current Holy Rosary Catholic Church was completed in 1931.