|
 |
Tabira Church
The red brick Tabira Catholic Church was designed by Tetsukawa Yosuke and
construction started in December 1915 after which it took local Christians
about 2 years to complete this graceful Romanesque church.
It is also referred to as Setoyama Church and is one of the exemplary works
of Tetsukawa Yosuke a famous architect of various churches in Nagasaki
prefecture. It is one of the latest brick churches in Nagasaki Prefecture
and the high quality of its design can be seen on the outside as well as
the inside. Tetsukawa Yosuke has called this one of his best works.
Built on a hill facing the strait of Hirado, the Cathedral of Tabira is
known for its graceful shape that matches both the sea and the sky. The
vivid colours of the stained glass windows are like beautiful paintings.
The cross stands tall on the top if the tower from which the Angelus Bell
sends its sound over the surrounding landscape. Next to the church is the
cemetery where the local devotees are laid to rest.
This all creates an atmosphere that might not come to mind when one thinks
of Japan. Yet it is an important part of the local culture and Tabira Church
was therefore designated as a National Important Cultural Property on December
25th, 2003
- Location: Hirado city, Tabira Town, Koteda-men 19
- Parking: 20 car parking spaces
- Contact: Hirado Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division, Telephone: 0950-22-4111
|
|
|
Himosashi Church
The church sits on top of a little hill in the middle of Himosashi village,
making it hard to miss when one drives past Himosashi.The large building was said to be the largest church in Japan after the
Urakami Cathedral in Nagasaki City was destroyed by the atomic bomb. It
was built in 1929.
The outside has the typical shape of a Romanesque church. Inside one can
find beautiful stained glass windows, large arches and an interior with
flower patterned decorations, a typical characteristic of the church architect,
Yosuke Tetsukawa. It adds a typical Buddhist element to the Christian space
and gives it a special atmosphere.
- Location: Hirado Island, Himosashi Town 1039
- Parking: 10 car park spaces
- Contact: Hirado Commerce,
Industry and Tourism Division, Telephone: 0950-22-4111
|
 |
|
 |
Hôki Church
In 1885 a temporary church was build in the Kyozaki district near Houki
where one can now find a road park. The current Hôki Church was then
built at its present location in 1898, making it the oldest church building
in Hirado.
Hôki church has many interesting architectural features. The foundation
is made out of stone, the facade from red brick and the side walls from
wood. The wooden ceiling was constructed using the ribbed vault technique
and the gabled roof is made from tiles. The stained windows are round and
are located in the top of the pointed arches.
It might not be a very large
church but its special characteristics and serene atmosphere make it one of
Hirado’s beautiful churches.
- Location: Hirado Island, Hôki Town 1170
- Parking: 10 car park spaces
- Contact: Hirado Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division, Telephone: 0950-22-4111
|
|
|
St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church (Hirado Church)
From the shopping street and the rest of the city centre you can see the
pointy spire and the cross of this church. It was originally built in 1913
at the place where you can now find the day nursery `ai-no sono` but it
was reconstructed in 1931 at its current location.
As part of the 1971 memorial celebrations of St. Francis Xavier’s visit
to Hirado, a statue of the missionary was erected and the church was renamed
to St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church. It has become one of Hirado’s
popular tourist spots and is a well-known landmark of the city.
- Location: Hirado city, Kagamigawa-cho 269
- Parking: 5 car park spaces
- Contact: Hirado Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division, Telephone: 0950-22-4111
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|