Urakami Cathedral
Motoomachi, Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan Christianity
Nagasaki cathedral rebuilt after the atomic bombing, a powerful Catholic site of memory, faith and peace.
Catholic Basilica and Cathedral Heritage SiteChristianityUNESCO World Heritage Site (component)
Oura Cathedral
大浦天主堂 · Basilica of the Twenty-Six Holy Martyrs of Japan · Oura Church
Historic Nagasaki Catholic church associated with the 1865 “Discovery of Hidden Christians” and UNESCO Christian heritage.
Sacred Place Overview
About Oura Cathedral
Identity, documented context and sacred significance.
Oura Cathedral is Japan’s best-known historic Catholic church and an internationally significant site in the history of hidden Christianity in Nagasaki.
Sacred Place at a Glance
A concise view of the place, tradition, location and heritage details available for this Sacred Place.
Place TypeCatholic Basilica and Cathedral Heritage Site
Religious TraditionChristianity
Tradition / DenominationRoman Catholic
Dedication / Patron SaintTwenty-Six Martyrs of Japan|Hidden Christians
LocationMinamiyamate, Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan
CountryJapan
Established / PeriodCompleted 1864–1865
ArchitectureGothic-influenced 19th-century church architecture
HeritageUNESCO World Heritage Site (component)
Faith, Tradition & Sacred Association
Religious tradition, dedication and sacred associations connected with this place.
Religious TraditionChristianity
Tradition / DenominationRoman Catholic
Dedication / Patron SaintTwenty-Six Martyrs of Japan|Hidden Christians
History & Sacred Tradition
Documented history, sacred narrative and editorial synthesis are kept visibly separate.
Historical Record
Built by French missionaries after Japan reopened to foreign residence, Oura Cathedral became the setting for the 1865 encounter in which local hidden Christians identified themselves to a priest.
Sacred Tradition
The “Discovery of Hidden Christians” is a documented historical event with profound religious significance; associated devotional interpretations should remain distinct from historical documentation.
Editorial Context
Significance: A landmark of Japanese Christian history and the site associated with the 1865 discovery that hidden Christian communities had survived centuries of prohibition.
Architecture & Sacred Complex
Gothic-influenced 19th-century church architecture · Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region · UNESCO World Heritage Site (component)
Entry & Visitor Rules
Practical access information and visitor guidance for this Sacred Place.
Entry / Accesspaid
Restricted areas / visitor rulesActive Catholic sacred space; visitors should maintain silence and respect worship areas. | Photography: Follow church rules; interior photography may be restricted.
Dress, Photography & Conduct
Photographyrestricted
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Transparency
Information Status & Sources
Information Status
- Status
- Source Confirmed
- Last checked
- September 23, 2026
- Primary source
- JNTO / Nagasaki tourism heritage materials