The church was commissioned by Father Eric Jansen of the Scheut Missions to serve the local farmers of the Jingliao community.
Gottfried Böhm, who designed the church, was the first German architect to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize.
The church's iconic four-cone shape is inspired by the tent imagery in the Book of Exodus.
The structure was specifically engineered to withstand Tainan's frequent typhoons and hot, humid climate using reinforced concrete.
The church was built during a time when the surrounding area was predominantly agrarian and traditional, making its modernist design revolutionary for the village.
Jinglio Holy Cross Catholic Church is a modernist architectural landmark in rural Tainan designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Gottfried Böhm and completed in 1960. The structure is immediately recognizable by its four white, conical-shaped steeples that taper into sharp points, symbolizing the hands of a person in prayer. The interior features a central altar flooded with natural light from high clerestory windows, creating a minimalist and serene environment. It remains one of the few examples of post-war German modernism in Taiwan. The church is situated in the historic Jingliao village, known for its preservation of traditional Hokkien architecture, creating a stark visual contrast between the old and the new. It continues to function as a house of worship for the local Catholic community while serving as a site for architectural pilgrims.
From the front courtyard looking up at the four white spires against the blue sky.
Combine your visit with a walking tour of the surrounding Jingliao Old Street to see traditional brick architecture.
Look for the small interior details that show the integration of local Taiwanese culture within the modernist aesthetic.
Respect that this is an active place of worship and maintain a quiet volume while inside.
Do not treat the church grounds as a standard public park; it is a private religious property.
May be closed to visitors during private masses or religious ceremonies.
Maintain a quiet, respectful tone; photography is permitted but avoid disturbing prayer services.
