🗺️ St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church in Hirado平戸ザビエル記念教会

This church can be regarded as the homeland of hidden Christians—an iconic feature of Hirado's unique "visible landscape of temples and churches." Completed in 1913, it was relocated to its current site in 1931. The reinforced concrete structure boasts a striking emerald green exterior, with a sharp triangular roof topped by a cross. Inside, it features a three-nave layout, with sculptural decorations applied to the walls and columns using plaster techniques. The ceiling is designed in a style known as "ribbed vault," resembling a bat spreading its wings, and its grandeur is breathtaking. Inside the sanctuary, statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary greet visiting tourists, while a statue of Archangel Michael stands prominently in front of the altar, creating a sacred atmosphere. Next to the church stands a memorial statue of Saint Francis Xavier, a missionary who visited Hirado multiple times. This church is a popular tourist attraction, but as it is a historic religious facility, visitors are encouraged to maintain a reverent attitude and observe proper etiquette.

It can be called the "view of temples and churches" protagonist. The sharp triangular roof with a cross is quite striking. The interior is adorned with multiple sculptures, filled with a sacred atmosphere. Next to the church stands a memorial statue of the missionary Saint Francis Xavier (聖方濟・沙勿略). This is a religious facility, so please observe proper etiquette when visiting.