The Sacred Heart Cathedral (圣心大教堂) in Guangzhou, also known as the “Stone Chamber,” was officially inaugurated on June 18, 1863, the Feast of the Sacred Heart. Its construction spanned 25 years and cost approximately 400,000 French francs, making it the largest church in the Catholic Diocese of Guangzhou. It stands as one of the most magnificent Gothic structures in China, characterized by its twin spires, and is among the world’s four fully stone Gothic churches, alongside Notre-Dame de Paris, Westminster Abbey, and Cologne Cathedral.
Designed by French architects and built by Chinese craftsmen, the cathedral covers an area of 2,754 square meters, measuring 35 meters wide from east to west and 78.69 meters long from north to south. The height from the ground to the top of the spires reaches 58.5 meters. The layout of the cathedral is in the shape of a Latin cross, oriented from north to south.
The façade features three pointed arch doors at the ground level, framed by seven pairs of columns and seven layers of ribbed arches. In the center, there is a stunning rose window with a diameter of 6 meters, intricately carved in stone. The walls beneath the windows on the east and west sides are inscribed in Latin with “Jenuslem 1863” and “Roma 1863,” respectively. The second level features another rose window, also delicately carved from stone, while the third level serves as the bell tower, topped by a pair of octagonal spires.
The cathedral’s striking features include its grand rose windows, nearly 7 meters in diameter, on both the front and side façades. All doors and windows are adorned with vibrant stained glass imported from France, showcasing deep hues of red, yellow, blue, and green. This stained glass effectively filters harsh sunlight, creating a soft and serene illumination within, contributing to the cathedral’s peaceful and solemn religious atmosphere – an essential characteristic of Gothic architecture.
The Sacred Heart Cathedral not only serves as a place of worship but also stands as a testament to the blend of cultural influences, showcasing both Western architectural styles and local craftsmanship. It remains a significant landmark in Guangzhou, attracting visitors and worshippers alike who come to admire its beauty and historical significance.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 11.00 and 15.00 – 17.00 (Tuesday – Friday); 9.00 – 14.30 (Saturday); 13.00 – 14.30 (Sunday); Closed on Mondays and the third Sunday every month |
| Telephone Number | 0086-020-83336737 0086-020-83392860 |
Location and Transportation
The Sacred Heart Cathedral is located at 56 Jiu Bu Qian, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 4, 8, 61, or 823 and get off at Yi De Zhong stop (一德中).
Metro: The closest metro station to Guangzhou Scacred Heart Cathedral is Yide Road (一德路) on line 6. After getting out of the station from Exit B, walk about 300 meters to the east to reach the attraction.
