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Bokor Catholic Church: A Haunting Relic of Colonial Cambodia

Discover the haunting beauty of Bokor Catholic Church, a historic landmark with panoramic views and a glimpse into Cambodia's colonial past.

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Perched atop Bokor Mountain in Cambodia's Preah Monivong Bokor National Park, the Bokor Catholic Church, also known as the Old Catholic Church, is a captivating historical landmark. Constructed in the early 1920s by the French colonial administration, it served as a place of worship for the French Catholic community and a symbol of their presence in the region.

A brief summary to Bokor Catholic Church

  • J2GF+Q2X, Changhaon, KH

Local tips

  • Dress respectfully when visiting the church, as it is still considered a place of worship.
  • Combine your visit to the church with a tour of Bokor National Park to explore other historical sites and natural attractions.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photography.
  • Don't miss the path behind the church for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
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Getting There

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Kampot, the most convenient way to reach Bokor Catholic Church is by taxi or ride-share. A one-way trip to Bokor Mountain, where the church is located, typically costs between $15 and $18 and takes approximately one hour. Negotiate the price beforehand.

  • Tuk-Tuk

    From the center of Kampot, you can hire a tuk-tuk to take you to Bokor Catholic Church. Ask the driver to take you to 'Bokor Hill', and provide them with the address: J2GF+Q2X, Changhaon. The ride will take approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost is around $28 per person.

  • Motorbike

    Adventurous travelers can rent a motorbike in Kampot for around $5-$12 per day (depending on the bike size and rental shop). The ride to Bokor Mountain takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour. Follow National Road 3 from Kampot towards Sihanoukville, then turn onto the road leading up Bokor Mountain.

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Discover more about Bokor Catholic Church

The Bokor Catholic Church stands as a testament to Cambodia's complex history, enduring spirit, and commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. Built in the early 1920s by the French colonial administration as part of the Bokor Hill Station, the church served the French Catholic community. The church's architecture blends Gothic and Romanesque styles, featuring a tall bell tower and intricate stone carvings. The interior once boasted stained glass windows, marble columns, and ornate decorations. The altar, with its large crucifix and detailed carvings, was a focal point. However, the church's history is intertwined with conflict and abandonment. During the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s, Bokor Mountain was abandoned, and the church fell into disrepair, serving as a storage facility for weapons and ammunition. Bullet holes and graffiti mark the walls, a stark reminder of the violence. Despite its turbulent past, the Bokor Catholic Church has endured as a symbol of resilience and hope. In recent years, restoration efforts have transformed the church into a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the interior, admire the architecture, and learn about its history. The bell tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. The church's location atop Bokor Mountain adds to its allure, with a cool climate, lush vegetation, and stunning vistas. Visitors can also explore Bokor National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna, waterfalls, and other historical sites like the Bokor Hill Station, Lok Yeay Mao Monument, and Wat Sampov Pram. The Bokor Catholic Church has become a destination for Christian pilgrimage, one of the few churches in Cambodia to survive the Khmer Rouge's destruction of religious sites.

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