About this place

Xujiahui Cathedral is located on the south side of the bustling Xujiahui area of Shanghai. It is the largest cathedral in the city, and was once regarded as the most majestic Catholic Church in the Far East.  As a result, it is under city-level protection.

Designed by W.M. Dowdall, the cathedral was built in 1910 by the French Shanghai Construction Company for use by the Jesuits.

The building is 80 meters high and there are two 50 meter high bell towers on the north and south ends. The main aisle is home to a Parisian made Virgin Mary and the architectural design is that of a cross. Stained glass windows destroyed during the Cultural Revolution are currently being replaced.

The Cathedral can hold 2500 worshippers.