The magnificent Jakarta Cathedral is a much admired Roman Catholic shrine in the Indonesian capital which attracts many devotees as well as sightseers. Located in the heart of the city in the environs of Merdeka Square, the church stands opposite the Istiqlal Mosque. The splendid edifice which stands today was consecrated as long ago as 1901 and displays an imposing neo-Gothic themed architectural motif. This was a common architectural style for Catholic shrines constructed at the time. The place of worship is termed a cathedral as it features a cathedra, the official seat of a bishop.
The cathedral’s principal entrance faces west, and at the centre of the large doorway you will see a figure of Mother Mary, with a Latin inscription above it. Nearby visitors will notice a Rozeta Rosa Mystica, the revered symbol of Our Lady Mary, in the form of a circular stained glass. Within the church you will see numerous features of interest including a Pieta statue and numerous decorative murals depicting scenes of heaven as well as the torments of hell.
The main building of the church features two floors, of which the upper storey may be reached through a stairway in the north tower. At one time the upper floor was where the choir stood during services, but due to the age of the structure there are now concerns regarding the ability of the building to support many individuals upstairs. Instead the upper storey has been converted into a museum housing Catholic artefacts such as the hats, robes and silver cups of former local Cardinals and Archbishops.
The cathedral boasts three handsome spires, of which the two highest measure no less than 60 m in height and are placed at the frontal corners of the church. The northern tower known as the ‘Fort of David’ symbolizes the Mother Mary as the protector and refuge against the forces of darkness. Meanwhile the southern tower is known as the ‘Ivory Tower’ symbolizing the unsullied purity of Mary.
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Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
