Santa Cruz Church — Attraction in Wat Kanlaya Subdistrict

I was particularly intrigued by the church's deep ties to Portuguese culture and heritage.

The building itself is a beautiful example of Baroque-style architecture, featuring intricate carvings, elaborate frescoes, and ornate altars that are truly a feast for the eyes. But what really sets Santa Cruz church apart is its unique history as a spiritual home for Bangkok's Portuguese community.

The church was originally built by Portuguese settlers in the 18th century, and today it remains a symbol of their enduring legacy in Thailand. From the intricate wooden doors that feature the coats of arms of Portuguese nobles, to the beautiful statues and artwork that adorn the interior, the church is a true testament to the influence of Portuguese culture on Thai history.

Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a peaceful place to reflect and pray, Santa Cruz church is an absolute must-visit. The warm and welcoming community of worshipers and staff only adds to the church's charm and makes for a truly...

I completely agree with Clarkcommando's review from four months ago, as my family and I faced the same situation on Saturday when we were denied entry into the church.

As Christians, we were deeply saddened by this experience, especially when we saw a group of students inside, apparently attending a seminar on cultures. While we understand that churches often host various events, we firmly believe that a church should always remain open and welcoming to everyone, regardless of the activities taking place.

A church is not merely a building; it is the house of God, a sanctuary where all should feel welcome at any time. We were under the impression that no one should be denied entry to a church, regardless of their faith, as it is a sacred space intended for all. The idea of a church being "privatized" or restricted in any way goes against the very essence of what it represents.

Unfortunately, it appears that this is not an isolated incident but rather a...

Terrible experience for Catholic foreign visitors. The Church is basically closed to all visitors unless your Thai and can convince the Thai volunteer guard to allow you in. This rude Thai homeless looking person security guard cannot explain anything about visiting hours. But , luckily I met a local Thai resident that explained during their mass hours , visitors are allowed to attend. There is zero information posted outside the church. And asking people outside the church area is a waste of time because even though they work nearby, they have no information about the church. It’s sad because the Portuguese settled in this area hundreds of years ago by permission of the Thai King. And established a community and built this historic church. Foreign visitors are welcome to dozens of nearby Wats to spend their tourist money. But, are not welcome to visit this...