The church was built by Italian missionary Father Gottardo, who was known for his significant contributions to the local community in Hukou.
The structure is built primarily from red clay bricks, a common construction material for churches of that era in Taiwan.
It originally served as a place of worship for the local community from the mid-1960s until the parish was relocated elsewhere.
The museum interior includes a preserved baptismal font and altar elements from the original church sanctuary.
The building was recognized as a historic site by Hsinchu County to prevent its demolition during the development of Hukou Old Street.
The Old Hukou Catholic Church Museum is housed in a structure constructed in 1966 that formerly served as a Catholic parish for the Hukou Old Street community. The building features distinctive Italian-style red brick architecture, reflecting the aesthetic influences of the Italian missionary Father Gottardo, who commissioned its design. After the church ceased religious operations, the space was repurposed into a cultural museum focused on preserving the history of Hukou Old Street. It serves as a visual anchor on the historic street, maintaining its original facade and bell tower. The site is a rare example of mid-20th-century missionary architecture in Northern Taiwan. Visitors can view historical documents and photographs related to the local Hakka community and the development of the old street. The museum is a designated historical building preserved under local cultural asset management.
From the street facing the main entrance, capturing the red brick facade with the bell tower in the frame.
Combine your visit with a walk along the adjacent Hukou Old Street to experience the local Hakka cuisine.
Visit on a weekday to avoid the heavy weekend foot traffic typical of the Hukou Old Street area.
Look for the Italian-style bell tower, which remains the most photographed feature of the building.
Do not expect a functional church; it is purely a museum and does not hold regular mass.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Maintain a quiet volume inside the exhibition spaces, as the building still holds a sense of solemnity.
