St Ignatius Cathedral

Lonely Planet review

South west of the Bibliotheca Zi-Ka-Wei, the dignified twin-spired St Ignatius Cathedral (1904) is a major Xújiāhuì landmark, its ecclesiastical form reflected in much of the local architecture. The cruciform-shaped church is a twin-spired, red brick church with two belfries and a statue of Christ above the door, flanked by the four apostles.

A long span of gothic arches, its nave is ornamented on the outside with rows of menacing gargoyles. Much of the stained glass is missing, but colourful replacements (some with Chinese inscriptions) have been installed. A large copy of the Last Supper hangs over the door, and when the church is open, stalls in the entrance sell Catholic trinkets, including plaster busts of the Virgin Mary.

The cathedral is a short walk south of the Xujiahui metro station (metro exit 3). Mass is held on Sunday at 06:00 , 07:30 , 10:00 and 18:00 ; on weekdays at 07:00 and on Saturday at 18:00 (and the first Friday of the month at 18:00 ). Across North Caoxi Rd is the former St Ignatius Convent, now the Ye Olde Station Restaurant.