It is the main church of the Archdiocese of Bangkok. It was visited by Pope John Paul II during his trip to Thailand in 1984. The cathedral was named Assumption to honor the taking up of the Virgin Mary to heaven after her death. The Feast of the Assumption, St Mary's Day on 15th August commemorates this religious occasion. A French architect designed the original Assumption Cathedral with materia
l imported from France and Italy. The present church was reconstructed in 1909. Damaged during World War II, the cathedral was restored after extensive repairs. An impressive tall rectangular structure, the cathedral is a departure from the 18th century Bangkok churches like the Santa Cruz Church and the Holy Rosary Church with their domed belfries and high steeples. It's striking red brick exterior sets the cathedral apart from the surrounding white buildings. Tall square towers flank the main entrance leading to the spacious nave with a high ornate ceiling. The cathedral is open everyday for worshippers. Pope John Paul II visited the church in May 1984, given that the church is the center of the Roman Catholic diocese there. The church is open seven days a week. Services for mass on Sundays are held at 6am, 7:30am, 8:30am, 10am and 5pm.
