St Joseph Church

The St. Joseph's Church is situated on the south bank of the Chao Phraya River beside Khlong Takhian. In 1665 CE, the Siamese King granted the French bishops a spot near the Chao Phraya River in the Cochin Chinese quarter called "Ban Pla Het". In 1665-1666 CE, they built the Seminary of Saint Joseph, later renamed the “Seminary of the Holy Angels”. Between 1685 and 1695 CE, the original wooden church was rebuilt in bricks in the European style. In March 1767 CE, the Portuguese settlement and the St Joseph seminary were isolated and surrounded by attacking Burmese. After parlaying with the Burmese General and being promised safety and protection for all persons and property, the bishop surrendered on 23 March. The church and seminary, as well as the Jesuit and Dominican churches, were nevertheless plundered. The houses near the church were burned down, and the fire spread to the church and seminary, which were both reduced to ashes. In 1831 CE, Father Jean-Baptist Pallegoix began the church's restoration, which was completed in 1847 CE.

Ayutthaya Historical Research