Jakarta Cathedral
Jakarta Cathedral
4.3
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The area
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Neighborhood: Sawah Besar
Sawah Besar, a neighborhood nestled in Jakarta, boasts of a rich cultural heritage and vibrant street life. The area's architecture is a captivating mixture of Dutch colonial buildings and modern Indonesian designs, creating an interesting visual contrast. A trip to the historic Pasar Baru, one of the oldest markets in the city, reveals a treasure trove of textiles, vintage items, and mouth-watering street food. The Jakarta Cathedral, an iconic gothic church dating back to the Dutch colonial era, towers majestically over the neighborhood. With several bus stops and a train station nearby, exploring the rest of Jakarta from Sawah Besar is a breeze.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.3
1,268 reviews
Excellent
595
Very good
485
Average
174
Poor
12
Terrible
2
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Jonique Life
Australia1,858 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
This is a huge cathedral that you can visit inside during a weekday and they also have a museum here. It’s a great place to see the elaborate building. We enjoyed the museum which gave insight to the catherdral’s history. It is free to enter here also!
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“Jonique Life” If you find value in our reviews please consider following our social media outlets on Facebook and Instagram as we highlight magical places you can add to your ever growing bucket list.
Written January 8, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Игорь
Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Russia32,726 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
Before I came to Jakarta, I didn't know this interesting cathedral existed. I love the symbiosis of different techniques in architecture. And here I was struck by the beauty of the combination of the stone dark bottom and the pointed white slender and aural towers of wrought iron. One of them is the South Tower called the Ivory Tower, whose whiteness and purity describe the purity of the Virgin Mary. On the ivory tower there is an old clock that still works. This neo-Gothic church was consecrated in 1901. Why the local bishop chose this particular style in the late 19th century is unclear. They were built under two architects. Unknown in Europe, but known here. At first glance, the church appears to be made of stone, as are neo-Gothic churches in Europe, in fact the cathedral is built of thick red brick covered with plaster and applied patterns that cleverly mimic natural stone masonry. The interior decoration of the vaulted org rooms is classic for Catholic temples and very beautiful.
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Written January 7, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan L
Bunbury, Australia9,017 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We were looking forward to our visit only to discover that barriers were erected across the aisles at the rear pews and no artificial lighting through the nave. Took a long distant photo of the altar and a few plaques and statues at the rear. The building is neo-Gothic style with distinctive white spires extending over the front of the building. The Cathedral dates to 1901, replacing an earlier structure from 1829 that collapses in 1890.
Written December 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marita1951
Melbourne, Australia16 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
I am not a regular church goer, but my sister attends Mass every week. We took a luxury taxi from the Mandarin Oriental and it cost less than $20 Aus. It took about 30 minutes to get there. Coming back, we took a Blue Bird taxi and it was only $10 Aus.
The experience was wonderful. The inside and outside of the cathedral was packed, hundreds of people everywhere. The choir led the singing and it was lovely. The men and women who assisted with communion wore white robes with large purple satin collars (maybe purple for Lent). After communion all the children arrive. Ages ranged from newborn babies to young teenagers, accompanied by parents if very young. They go to the priest for a blessing. It was very sweet.
The Cathedral is beautiful. I loved the stained glass windows.
We also popped into St Teresa’s Church near Sarinah Mall on another day. We were welcomed by lovely people who were ushering people who had come for reconciliation. We declined. There is a school attached and I loved the girls pretty uniforms, very different and much more stylish. The boys wore shirts of the same fabric.
The experience was wonderful. The inside and outside of the cathedral was packed, hundreds of people everywhere. The choir led the singing and it was lovely. The men and women who assisted with communion wore white robes with large purple satin collars (maybe purple for Lent). After communion all the children arrive. Ages ranged from newborn babies to young teenagers, accompanied by parents if very young. They go to the priest for a blessing. It was very sweet.
The Cathedral is beautiful. I loved the stained glass windows.
We also popped into St Teresa’s Church near Sarinah Mall on another day. We were welcomed by lovely people who were ushering people who had come for reconciliation. We declined. There is a school attached and I loved the girls pretty uniforms, very different and much more stylish. The boys wore shirts of the same fabric.
Written March 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ADB000
Melbourne, Australia386 contributions
Mar 2023
The cathedral is quite lovely, but the only access available is to the rear of the nave. Sadly, all the aisles are gated off and there is no access to the body of the church.
The vaulted wooden roof is quite stunning, and it would have been nice to be able to walk through the building to see the beautiful painted tile "Stations of the Cross" hidden in the darkness.
The vaulted wooden roof is quite stunning, and it would have been nice to be able to walk through the building to see the beautiful painted tile "Stations of the Cross" hidden in the darkness.
Written March 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hagia dyah
Jakarta, Indonesia39 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
Been here last time on february. Wearing mask is a must or security will not allow to come in.
We can come inside but there is limited access. There is fence inside so visitor cant walking close to aisle.
This is art deco style and classic neo gothic style. Typical like similar church in europe.
Beautiful.
We can come inside but there is limited access. There is fence inside so visitor cant walking close to aisle.
This is art deco style and classic neo gothic style. Typical like similar church in europe.
Beautiful.
Written February 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roamas
Sydney, Australia829 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
A beautiful cathedral opposite the mosque. There was a wedding taking place but we were allowed to have a look inside. Walking around the back there’s a small free museum housing interesting Catholic artefacts. In the adjoining courtyard there’s photo effigies of the pope and cardinal which make for fun photos!
Written July 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Krisha gunaratnam
Colombo, Sri Lanka1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Solo
This Gorgeous Jakarta Cathedral is located at Jakarta, Indonesia. It is one of the best peaceful place you can find. It's much worth to travel there. One of the must place to visit in Jakarta.
There is no entry fee...... Obviously because this is church.
Candles are free, you can light as much as candles as you can. But, the flowers has prices ranging from 10,000 IDR, which is not even $1. Photographies are allowed.
Note: The museum in the church won't open sometimes. So don't visit just for the museum.
Transport:
The easiest way to destined this place is through busway facility. The stop is called "Juanda". The central part of all busway connector is called "Harmoni", from Harmoni getting on Juanda is very easy.
Benefits:
It is "two in one" best visit, because opposite to it. There is a largest mosque in South east asia called "Istiqlal mosque".
There is no entry fee...... Obviously because this is church.
Candles are free, you can light as much as candles as you can. But, the flowers has prices ranging from 10,000 IDR, which is not even $1. Photographies are allowed.
Note: The museum in the church won't open sometimes. So don't visit just for the museum.
Transport:
The easiest way to destined this place is through busway facility. The stop is called "Juanda". The central part of all busway connector is called "Harmoni", from Harmoni getting on Juanda is very easy.
Benefits:
It is "two in one" best visit, because opposite to it. There is a largest mosque in South east asia called "Istiqlal mosque".
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FormerCaliBoy
Zurich, Switzerland18,791 contributions
Dec 2019
Entrance not easily located at first, but enter next to any of the vehicle entry/exit gates. There is a registration desk which you must show ID, they make a copy, immediately return your ID to you and issue you a visitor badge. The cathedral has an amazing array of Gothic architecture. The entire ceiling is comprised of wood. There are sculptures, paintings, stained glass windows, pipe organs at the side (most churches I’ve visited have had the organs at the front or rear of the church). The benches are made of wood and wicker. A visit is certainly recommended.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nirav G
Mumbai, India968 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
Stumbled upon this beautiful cathedral in Jakarta while was walking from the Gedung Pos Ibukota.
Luckily it was open was could visit it from the inside as well.
Such mesmerising architecture and the sheer size of the cathedral.
It was so peaceful inside and it felt like I should just sit there for some more time.
Would highly recommend visiting this cathedral when in Jakarta.
Luckily it was open was could visit it from the inside as well.
Such mesmerising architecture and the sheer size of the cathedral.
It was so peaceful inside and it felt like I should just sit there for some more time.
Would highly recommend visiting this cathedral when in Jakarta.
Written August 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It's only Indonesian languanges mass there in Jakarta Cathedral.
I don't think we have a mass with tamil here in Jakarta.
If you would like to attend an english mass you could go to Canicius Chappel every sunday 5.30pm or Saint Theresia (but i don't know the exact time there in Saint Theresia).
Hope it helps you a bit.
Written June 29, 2019
Do they have a daily mass here in the evening? Is it at 6pm...
Is it easy to get a taxi to return to my hotel in gajah mada?
I plan to go to thamrin mall and then stop by for mass here in cathedral... before returning to hotel.
Written November 26, 2018
Hello.. I don’t know about the daily mass but I think they don’t have cause I had come on weekdays and usually empty. Sorry..
Yes, it’s easy.. you can use Taxi or grab to get here.. it’s also near to busway station.. sorry for my late reply
Written December 22, 2018
We fly into Jakarta on 24 Dec and would like to visit the cathedral for midnight mass. Which is the best way to visit from the airport or is there other Catholic Church’s near the airport.
Written July 22, 2018
The question is rather which church is nearest to your hotel.
The cathedral will be pretty crowded for Xmas Eve mass and you need to be there few hours before to even have a chance to get a seat (likely somewhere outside the main church).
Note that many catholic churches in Jkt do not offer midnite xmas mass anymore, it is more like 8pm mass or so.
So depends what time u arrive, the best is to get to the nearest church near your hotel.
Written July 22, 2018
antonymichaeldxb
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hi is there Mass in English at any Catholic Church located near Jakarta Airport ?If yes please provide the details and good hotel which is near to that?
Written June 17, 2017
Yes.. so many churches with english service... Please look for it in google
Written July 8, 2017
Hi everyone, do they have a mass service in English this coming Black Saturday and Easter Sunday? Thank you.
Written April 13, 2017
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