Church of the Saviour
西什库天主堂 · Shichahai Subdistrict
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Church of the Saviour
Standing before the Church of the Saviour, popularly known as the North Church or 'Beitang,' we encounter one of the most striking examples of Western architecture in the heart of Beijing. This grand Gothic cathedral is not…
Listen in the app2The Facade and Twin Steeples
The front of the Church of the Saviour is a 'masterpiece of architectural art,' rising nearly 30 meters into the Beijing sky. The twin steeples, topped with iron crosses, were once the tallest structures in the area, serving as a…
Listen in the app3The Nave: A Symphony of Light and Space
Stepping into the interior of Beitang, the scale and light of the nave 'overwhelm visitors with their beauty'. The 'soaring peaks' of the vaulted ceiling and the long rows of 'sturdy pillars' create a 'mystical atmosphere' that…
Listen in the app4The Marble Sculptures and Altars
The Church of the Saviour is home to 'overwhelmingly beautiful' marble sculptures and side altars that 'showcase the skill of ancient artisans'. These statues, carved with 'exquisite detail,' depict figures with 'deep facial…
Listen in the app5The Courtyard and the Siege Memorials
The courtyard surrounding the Church of the Saviour is a 'sacred ritual complex' that 'vividly portrays the stories of the past'. It is here that the 'sturdy walls' and 'fortress-like' nature of the site were put to the ultimate…
Listen in the app6The Stained Glass: A Picture Book in Light
The stained glass of Beitang is often called a 'picture book in stone and light,' 'vibrantly depicting the life and values' of the community. These windows are 'among the world's most beautiful,' where 'emerald green, blue, and…
Listen in the app7The Living Community and Sunday Mass
The Church of the Saviour is not a 'mere museum' but a 'living history' where 'thousands of people continue to live' and worship. On Sundays, the 'sound of bells echoing through the deep mist' and the 'sight of pilgrims offering…
Listen in the app8Closing
As we conclude our visit to the Church of the Saviour, we are left with a profound sense of the 'multicultural coexistence' that defines Beijing's history. This church is a 'treasure trove of history and knowledge,' a 'bridge…
Listen in the app
What is Church of the Saviour?
Church of the Saviour is a place in Shichahai Subdistrict with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Shichahai Subdistrict |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 39.9239, 116.3725 |
| Last updated |