Церковь Келахиран Санта Мария 2
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Church of the Birth of the Virgin Mary

4.8
·1k reviews·, Indonesia

A historic Gothic-style Catholic church in Surabaya, known for its red brick facade and stunning stained glass windows.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quiet reflection

CrowdLow
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Церковь Келахиран Санта Мария 2

Church of the Birth of the Virgin Mary

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quiet reflection

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Gothic-style Catholic church in Surabaya, known for its red brick facade and stunning stained glass windows.

4.8
(1k reviews)

"One of historical building in Surabaya, East Java. An old Catholic Church that is still well-maintained until now."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Light

The stained glass is stunning, especially when the sun hits it. Visit during daylight hours for the best photos.

🤫 Be Mindful of Services

Check Mass schedules to avoid disrupting services. Weekday mornings are often the quietest.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stained Glass Windows

Stained Glass Windows

Vibrant, historic stained glass panels that bathe the nave in colorful light.

Gothic Architecture

Gothic Architecture

Admire the striking Gothic design, a testament to its historical significance.

Airy Nave

Airy Nave

The spacious and light-filled central hall offers a sense of peace and grandeur.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Serenity

To experience the solemnity of this historic church, aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons. Weekends, especially during Mass, can draw larger crowds. Consider visiting outside of major holidays for a more peaceful atmosphere.

Respectful Attire and Conduct

As a place of worship, modest dress is appreciated. Avoid loud conversations and be mindful of ongoing services. Many visitors find the quiet reverence enhances their experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quiet reflection
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday evenings
Why
Mass attendance
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Syahadat kami gak bikin kamu auto log in. Yuk, disimak selengkapnya di Serabi 🫶🏻 #katolik #gerejakatolik #katolikindonesia #katolikroma #mantilla #veil #credo
@walmajelena
176.4K likes • 2.1M views

📸 Capture the Light

The stained glass is stunning, especially when the sun hits it. Visit during daylight hours for the best photos. Instagram

🤫 Be Mindful of Services

Check Mass schedules to avoid disrupting services. Weekday mornings are often the quietest. TikTok

Yakinnn? . . #katolik #katolikindonesia #lagukatolik #lagumisakatolik #misakatolik #pangelinguagloriosi #gereja #gerejakatolik #fyppviralllシ #fyppp #fyuu #fyuu
@juan_bagas
101.9K likes • 505.7K views
From 📍Saydnaya, Syria, Christians celebrate the Nativity of the Theotokos, celebrated on September 8, one of the Twelve Great Feasts of the Eastern Church. It commemorates the birth of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, who was chosen to bring Christ into the world. In the East, this feast is marked with the Divine Liturgy, special hymns honoring Mary as the joy of all creation, and prayers ask...
eastern_christians
88.8K likes • 777.5K views

⛪ Admire the Architecture

This is one of Surabaya's oldest Catholic churches, with impressive Dutch-era design. Reddit

🙏 Pray in Peace

A solemn and well-maintained place for prayer and reflection. Reddit

The birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary was no ordinary birth. It was the dawn of salvation, the rising of the purest star, the joy of Heaven and the hope of earth. On September 8 the Church celebrates the Nativity of Mary. She was preserved from original sin from the first instant of her conception, born pure and full of grace, chosen from all eternity to be the Mother of God. O Mary, born pure an...
joel_vidson
593 likes • 9.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Light

The stained glass is stunning, especially when the sun hits it. Visit during daylight hours for the best photos. Instagram

🤫 Be Mindful of Services

Check Mass schedules to avoid disrupting services. Weekday mornings are often the quietest. TikTok

⛪ Admire the Architecture

This is one of Surabaya's oldest Catholic churches, with impressive Dutch-era design. Reddit

🙏 Pray in Peace

A solemn and well-maintained place for prayer and reflection. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Church of the Birth of the Virgin Mary for its historical significance, impressive Dutch-era architecture, and beautiful stained glass windows. It's described as a well-maintained, quiet, and solemn place for prayer. Some note that Saturday evening Mass is not overly crowded.

"The Catholic Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the oldest Catholic churches in Surabaya. The church was established in 1900 with the architectural design by W. Westmaas from Semarang and was officially inaugurated on August 5, 1900.
Before this church was built, the first Catholic church in Surabaya dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary was established in 1822, marking the beginning of Catholic ministry in Surabaya since 1810.
This church is part of the Diocese of Surabaya, and the current priest serving there is Father Paulus Jauhari Atmoko C.M. The church building stands adjacent to the SMA Katolik Frateran Surabaya (a Catholic high school) and is often referred to as the Kepanjen Church.

I attended mass on Saturday evening at 6pm n was surprised that it was not packed w Christians. It’s a beautiful church, destroyed during the war n rebuilt."

PrinceT

"This building looks good with a beautiful facade in red brick."

Rivai

"Was here visiting in late September recently.
Quite a historical church and the building itself is impressive with stained glass windows."

Google Lum

What People Like

Historical significance
Impressive architecture
Beautiful stained glass

What People Dislike

Can be busy during Mass

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The church is located in Surabaya, East Java. It's often referred to as the Kepanjen Church and is situated adjacent to SMA Katolik Frateran Surabaya. Public transport or ride-sharing services are common ways to reach it within the city. Reddit

Information on dedicated parking can be limited. It's advisable to check with local sources or consider public transport options if you're driving. Reddit

Given its central location, ride-sharing apps like Gojek or Grab are convenient. Local buses might also be an option depending on your starting point. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

As a place of worship, there is typically no entrance fee. Donations are usually welcome to help with maintenance. TikTok

The church is generally open during daylight hours, but it's best to visit outside of Mass times for a peaceful experience. Check local listings for specific hours. Reddit

Yes, Mass is held regularly, particularly on Saturday evenings. Visitors are welcome to attend. Reddit

No, tickets are not required for general visiting. It's a functioning church, not a ticketed attraction. TikTok

🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience

The church features a beautiful red brick facade and impressive Dutch-era architecture, reminiscent of historical designs. Reddit

Don't miss the airy nave and the beautiful stained glass windows, which are a significant feature of the church's interior. Instagram

Absolutely. It's described as a quiet and solemn place, perfect for prayer and contemplation. Reddit

It's one of the oldest Catholic churches in Surabaya, established in 1900, and has been rebuilt after wartime destruction. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed, but be respectful of ongoing services and other visitors. Avoid flash photography during Mass. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Weekday mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for capturing the stained glass and architectural details without large crowds. Instagram

While generally permitted, always be mindful of ongoing religious services. Avoid using flash during Mass to maintain a respectful atmosphere. Instagram

The nave, with its stained glass windows, is a prime spot. The facade of the church also makes for a striking exterior shot. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around religious sites due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to avoid it. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the church is a place of worship, families can visit during quieter times to appreciate its historical architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. Explain to children that it's a sacred space where people pray. TikTok

Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and allow children to explore the nave without disruption. The visual appeal of the stained glass might capture their attention. Remember to maintain a respectful demeanor and keep voices low. Instagram

🙏 Devout Catholics

This historic church offers a profound spiritual experience. Attending the Saturday evening Mass is a popular way to connect with the local Catholic community and experience the solemnity of the service. Reddit

Many find it a peaceful sanctuary for prayer and reflection. The church's long history and well-maintained interior contribute to its sacred atmosphere. Consider participating in prayers like the Novena 3 Salam Maria, a practice mentioned in community discussions. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

The Church of the Birth of the Virgin Mary, often known as the Kepanjen Church, holds a significant place in Surabaya's religious history. Established in 1900, it stands as one of the city's oldest Catholic places of worship. The original church was built on the site of an earlier Catholic ministry that began in 1810, with the first dedicated church to the Blessed Virgin Mary dating back to 1822. Reddit

The current impressive structure, designed by W. Westmaas, was officially inaugurated on August 5, 1900. While it was destroyed during wartime, it has since been rebuilt, preserving its historical essence and architectural beauty. Its red brick facade and Dutch-era design are a testament to its enduring legacy. Reddit

Today, it remains an active part of the Diocese of Surabaya, with Father Paulus Jauhari Atmoko C.M. serving as the current priest. Its proximity to SMA Katolik Frateran Surabaya further solidifies its role within the Catholic community of the city. Reddit

Architectural Marvels and Artistic Details

The church is celebrated for its striking Gothic-inspired architecture, characterized by its red brick exterior that evokes a sense of historical grandeur. The design, attributed to W. Westmaas, reflects the architectural styles prevalent during the Dutch colonial era in Indonesia. Reddit

Inside, the airy nave is a focal point, creating a spacious and serene atmosphere. This central hall is beautifully illuminated by stained glass windows, which are a major highlight. These vibrant panels depict religious scenes and figures, casting colorful patterns of light across the interior, especially during daylight hours. Instagram

Visitors often remark on the building's impressive design and how well it has been maintained over the years. The combination of historical architecture and artistic details makes it a captivating site for both religious devotion and appreciation of heritage. Reddit

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