Sacred Heart Cathedral
The **Sacred Heart Cathedral** (石室圣心大教堂), also known as **Shishi Catholic Church**, is one of Guangzhou's most iconic landmarks. Here's a detailed overview:
1. **Overview**
- **Location**: Yide Road, Yuexiu District, near Haizhu Square .
- **Architectural Style**: Gothic Revival, constructed entirely of granite, earning it the nickname "Stone House" (Shishi) .
- **Significance**: Largest Roman Catholic cathedral in Guangzhou and one of only four all-granite Gothic churches globally .
2. **History**
- Built between **1863 and 1888** by French architects and Chinese craftsmen on the former site of a Qing Dynasty viceroy’s residence, which was destroyed in 1856 .
- The foundation stones symbolize Christianity’s origins in Jerusalem and development in Rome .
3. **Architectural Highlights**
- **Dimensions**: 79 meters long, 35 meters wide, and 58.5 meters tall, with twin 58-meter bell towers .
- **Interior**: Ribbed vault ceilings, stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes, and a central rose window (6 meters in diameter) .
- **Features**: East tower houses bronze bells from France, while the west tower has a clock .
4. **Visitor Information**
- **Admission**: Free .
- **Opening Hours**: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily .
- **Mass Times**: Conducted in Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, and English. For example:
- **Sunday**: 6:30 AM (Cantonese), 10:30 AM (Mandarin), 3:30 PM (English) .
- **Dress Code**: Modest attire required (no shorts, short skirts, or slippers). Free aprons are provided at the entrance .
5. **How to Get There**
- **Metro**: Take Line 2 or 6 to **Haizhu Square Station**, exit B2, and walk west along Yide Road .
- **Bus**: Routes 4, 8, 61, 82, 86, or 823 to Middle Yide Road .
6. **Nearby Attractions**
- **Shamian Island**: Colonial-era architecture along the Pearl River .
- **Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street**: Bustling shopping area .
- **Yuexiu Park**: Home to the Five-Goat Statue, a symbol of Guangzhou .
For photography enthusiasts, the cathedral’s Gothic spires and stained-glass interiors offer stunning visuals, as seen in Brian McMorrow’s gallery . Plan your visit to coincide with sunlight streaming through the stained glass for a truly ethereal experience!
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