St. Ignatius Cathedral, also called Xujiahui Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic church at 158 Puxi Road in Shanghai’s Xujiahui district. Its red-brick Gothic exterior and twin towers make a striking stop, while inside, vaulted ceilings and stained glass create a quieter atmosphere. The cathedral remains an active place of worship, so you can attend Mass if the service times suit your plans. Check access ahead: the church and nearby buildings can be closed on Mondays, and visitors should avoid disturbing services.
A Gothic cathedral in Xujiahui
The Cathedral of St. Ignatius of Loyola is also known as Xujiahui Cathedral. English architect William Doyle designed it, and French Jesuits built it between 1905 and 1910. Its twin towers and Gothic form give the church a distinctive profile among the wide boulevards of this part of Shanghai.
The cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Shanghai and the headquarters of the Shanghai Diocese. It is an active church, so a visit may coincide with worship rather than sightseeing. Plan to follow the quiet, attentive behaviour expected in a place of prayer.
Inside the church
The long nave leads toward the altar, whose centerpiece is the Blessed Virgin Help of Christians. The interior’s vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows draw attention upward; the coloured glass brings light into the space. The windows were replaced during restoration with designs incorporating Chinese characters and imagery.
The cathedral was damaged during the Cultural Revolution: its spires were removed and its stained glass was smashed. The building later served as a state-owned grain warehouse before restoration returned it to religious use. Its history is visible in the changes it has undergone, as well as in its continued role as a place of worship.
A place of worship and a wider-area stop
Mass is held on Sundays, including a service in English at noon. Chinese-language services are also listed at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday services can affect access for sightseeing, so check the current arrangements before planning an interior visit. If you enter during worship, remain discreet and do not interrupt the service.
The church grounds include a grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Bernadette. Xujiahui Library and other local parks, libraries and historic sites can add to a visit in the district. Access to nearby buildings may differ from access to the cathedral, so check each stop separately, particularly if you are planning around a Monday visit.
FAQ
Is St. Ignatius Cathedral free to enter?
A visitor account describes entry as free. Access can depend on church activities, so check ahead before planning to go inside.
Can visitors enter during Sunday Mass?
Mass takes place on Sundays, including an English service at noon. If you enter during worship, be quiet and avoid disrupting the service.
What is there to see inside St. Ignatius Cathedral?
Look for the vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows, long nave and altar centered on the Blessed Virgin Help of Christians.
Can the cathedral be closed on Mondays?
Yes, it can be closed on Mondays. Check access before your visit, especially if you also plan to see nearby buildings.
