St Joseph's Church, Ayutthaya

St Joseph's Church
St Joseph's Church

St. Joseph's Church lies on the opposite bank of the Chaophraya River from the island-city. The Catholic church was founded in the mid-seventeenth century by French missionaries, on land granted by King Narai. The original church was destroyed during the Burmese sack of Ayutthaya in the eighteenth century. A restoration by the Catholic fathers was completed in the mid nineteenth century.

The building is not particularly interesting architecturally, but it is close to Wat Putthaisawan, so you can stop in for a look on your way to visiting the temple. Note that the church also has a large Catholic school next to it, so it can be busy and noisy on weekdays.