Gereja Katedral (Cathedral Church), Jakarta (must see)

Jakarta Cathedral Church or Gereja Santa Maria Pelindung Diangkat Ke Surga (the Church of Our Lady of Assumption) is a Catholic Cathedral built in neo-classical style. Located near the Merdeka Palace, at No. Jl.Katedral. 2, the Cathedral is an elegant, yet grandiose establishment featuring cast iron steeples, red brick body, teak wood shelter and stone pillars in Roman styles. It measures 60 meters in height and 10 in width, with an extension of 5 meters on each aisle.

The cathedral was finished in 1901, after a decade of halts due mainly to financial problems. Labeled as the largest and most beautiful Christian establishment in Indonesia, the Cathedral is beautifully decorated with paintings and religious sculptures. Above the main entrance, there is a round, colored glass décor symbolizing Virgin Mary. A large Neo-Gothic style organ decorates the southern side of the cathedral.

The building is divided into two stories: the ground floor is dedicated to masses and religious events, while the second floor, originally designed to hold the choir, hosts a small religious museum. Visitors can admire here robes, religious books and relics of the Catholic rituals. In the back of the church there is a small candle factory which can also be visited.