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Urakami Cathedral

浦上教会 · St. Mary’s Cathedral · Urakami

Motoomachi, Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan Dedication / Patron Saint: Virgin Mary|Urakami Catholic community

Nagasaki cathedral rebuilt after the atomic bombing, a powerful Catholic site of memory, faith and peace.

Sacred Place Overview

About Urakami Cathedral

Identity, documented context and sacred significance.

Urakami Cathedral is a major Catholic church in Nagasaki whose original building was destroyed in the 1945 atomic bombing. The rebuilt cathedral preserves memorial objects and remains an active place of worship.

Sacred Place at a Glance

A concise view of the place, tradition, location and heritage details available for this Sacred Place.

Place TypeCatholic Cathedral
Religious TraditionChristianity
Tradition / DenominationRoman Catholic
Dedication / Patron SaintVirgin Mary|Urakami Catholic community
LocationMotoomachi, Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan
CountryJapan

Faith, Tradition & Sacred Association

Religious tradition, dedication and sacred associations connected with this place.

Religious TraditionChristianity
Tradition / DenominationRoman Catholic
Dedication / Patron SaintVirgin Mary|Urakami Catholic community

History & Sacred Tradition

Documented history, sacred narrative and editorial synthesis are kept visibly separate.

Historical Record

The prewar cathedral was destroyed by the atomic bomb on 9 August 1945. Survivors recovered objects including a bell, and the church was later rebuilt.

Sacred Tradition

JNTO describes a wooden figure of the Virgin Mary as having “miraculously survived” the blast. For Templestan, this should be presented explicitly as a reported/sacred interpretation of survival, not as proof of supernatural intervention.

Editorial Context

Significance: A nationally important Christian memorial and active cathedral symbolizing faith, destruction and postwar peace.

Entry & Visitor Rules

Practical access information and visitor guidance for this Sacred Place.

Entry / Accessfree
Restricted areas / visitor rulesActive worship space; respect services and posted restrictions.

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Information Status & Sources

Information Status

Status
Source Confirmed
Last checked
September 23, 2026
Primary source
JNTO