Dozaki Tenshudou Kirishitan Museum

Overview

Dozaki Tenshudou offers a profound understanding of the history and faith of the Goto Islands. During the Edo period's prohibition of Christianity, believers faced harsh persecution, yet they secretly maintained their faith, becoming known as "Kakure Kirishitan" (hidden Christians). Dozaki Tenshudou is the first Catholic church built on the Goto Islands within this historical context. It was designated as a Nagasaki Prefecture Tangible Cultural Property in 1974. The Dozaki Tenshudou Kirishitan Museum exhibits precious historical materials and relics from that time. These include the "Ocho (solar calendar)" (1634), passed down through generations of Chokata (officials of the hidden Christians), and the De Ro Seikyo woodblock print (a Nagasaki Prefecture designated cultural property). Also enshrined are the sacred relics of St. John of Goto, one of the Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan, repatriated from Macau. Through these materials, you can learn about the depth of Christian history and faith on the Goto Islands. Dozaki Tenshudou is a single-story brick Gothic-style building, considered the first Western-style architecture on Goto. Its beautiful exterior served as a model for other churches on the islands. The interior is wooden, and the stained-glass patterns, like those in other Goto churches, feature camellias. The ribbed vault ceiling is said to have been constructed using materials transported from Italy. The architectural style reflects the fervent faith of the time and the exchange with Western culture. Dozaki Tenshudou is not merely a museum; it's a symbol of the faith of the Goto people and a living testament to history. When visiting Goto, be sure to visit and experience its history and faith firsthand.