At the time of its 1914 completion, the original cathedral was the largest brick-built church in East Asia.
The atomic bomb exploded almost directly above the cathedral, instantly killing the priests and parishioners inside.
Fragments of the original cathedral's walls were relocated to the Peace Park to serve as a memorial.
The current bell, nicknamed 'Maria', was cast in the Netherlands and donated to the cathedral to replace one lost in the war.
The Hibaku Maria statue found in the rubble is regularly displayed for private viewing and prayer.
Excavations of the cathedral grounds frequently unearth artifacts from the Edo-period 'Hidden Christian' community.
Urakami Cathedral is a prominent Catholic church in Nagasaki, constructed in the original location of the church destroyed by the 1945 atomic bombing. The current structure, completed in 1959, is built of red brick in a Romanesque revival style. It sits roughly 500 meters from the atomic bomb hypocenter, making it a symbolic site of both religious faith and war history. The building houses a charred statue of the Virgin Mary that survived the blast, known as the Hibaku Maria. Ruins from the original 1914 cathedral, including stone pillars and statues damaged by the heat and pressure, are preserved in the courtyard. The interior features stained glass windows and serves as a major site for prayer and peace education in Japan. The cathedral remains an active parish church serving the Urakami community.
The courtyard garden where the original stone ruins and the statue of the Virgin Mary are displayed.
Walk the perimeter of the courtyard to view the relocated stone ruins and historical markers.
Maintain a quiet demeanor as this is an active place of worship for local residents.
Check the small side areas for the preserved relics of the 1945 disaster.
Speaking loudly in the courtyard and taking photos of worshippers during services.
Dress modestly as it is a religious site; maintain silence; photography is strictly prohibited inside the sanctuary.
