St. Ignatius Cathedral Square

Overview

St. Ignatius Cathedral Square, located in the bustling Xujiahui area of Shanghai, serves as an urban oasis amidst the city's vibrant atmosphere. The square is dominated by the magnificent St. Ignatius Cathedral, with its Gothic twin spires reaching towards the sky. The red brick exterior, complemented by the surrounding greenery, creates a perfect harmony between historical architecture and modern urban design.

The Cathedral Architecture

St. Ignatius Cathedral stands as one of Shanghai's most significant Gothic architectural landmarks. Built over a century ago, it features:

• Classic French medieval Gothic twin spires
• Red brick exterior walls with intricate stone carvings
• A central rose window that creates stunning light effects
• 64 composite stone columns inside
• Ribbed vault ceiling with plaster finish
• Ornate main altar imported from Paris in 1919
• Beautiful stained glass windows
• Detailed sculptures of St. Ignatius and eight other saints

The Renovated Square

The newly renovated square showcases thoughtful urban design elements:

• Central lawn area
• Symmetrical rows of plane trees creating natural corridors
• Strategic placement of trees at golden ratio points
• Multiple rest areas integrated within the tree groves
• Interactive fountains
• Seasonal flowers including irises and hydrangeas
• Wooden benches for relaxation

Surrounding Attractions

The square is situated in the Xujiahui commercial district, offering various attractions:

Shopping

• Grand Gateway Plaza (港汇恒隆广场) - Luxury brands and high-end retail
• Metro City (美罗城) - Fashion, entertainment, and dining

Dining Options

• Green Wave Restaurant (绿波廊) - Traditional Shanghai cuisine
• Dancing Fish Japanese Restaurant (舞渔日料) - Japanese hotpot
• Blue Frog Bar & Grill - Western cuisine

Cultural Sites

• Xujiahui Library (徐家汇藏书楼) - Historical library with ancient collections
• Shanghai Meteorological Museum - Former Xujiahui Observatory

Visitor Information

Transportation

• Metro: Line 1, Xujiahui Station, Exit 3
• Bus: Routes 43, 167 (Xujiahui Station), or 732 (Caoxibei Road-Nandan Road Station)

Opening Hours

• Tuesday to Saturday: 09:00 - 16:00
• Closed on Mondays and Sundays
• Special closure: March 27 - April 2, 2024
• First Friday of each month: Opens at 13:00

Visiting Guidelines

1. Maintain silence inside the cathedral
2. Dress appropriately - no sleeveless shirts, shorts, or slippers
3. Photography is not permitted inside the cathedral
4. Respect religious ceremonies and other visitors

St. Ignatius Cathedral Square represents a perfect blend of historical architecture, urban design, and modern city life. It offers visitors a peaceful retreat while providing easy access to shopping, dining, and cultural experiences in the heart of Shanghai's Xujiahui district.