About the Church
The Cathedral of St Joseph in Liepāja is the largest Roman Catholic church in Courland (Kurzeme) and the cathedral of the Diocese of Liepāja, standing in the Latvian coastal city of Liepāja. It is considered one of the city's most striking architectural landmarks, visible from afar thanks to its tall central tower.
The history of a Catholic house of prayer on this site goes back to the 18th century — a small masonry church of St Joseph was built here around 1747. In time it became too small for the parish, so a much larger church was built to the design of the architect Liudvikas Melvilis; its construction used so-called Danzig brick, brought in from Germany. The church was consecrated in 1911, and in 1937, when Pope Pius XI established the Diocese of Liepāja, it was raised to the rank of cathedral.
Architecturally the cathedral stands out for its neo-Romanesque style: red-brick masonry, a massive central tower with bells, and three smaller turrets. Inside is preserved an organ built in 1904 by the master organ builder Emilis Martinas, listed among the state-protected musical instruments, while the walls and vaults are decorated with paintings of biblical scenes.
The cathedral is the most important place for the Catholic community in Liepāja and throughout Courland — the diocese's main celebrations are held here, along with concerts and pastoral events.
The history of a Catholic house of prayer on this site goes back to the 18th century — a small masonry church of St Joseph was built here around 1747. In time it became too small for the parish, so a much larger church was built to the design of the architect Liudvikas Melvilis; its construction used so-called Danzig brick, brought in from Germany. The church was consecrated in 1911, and in 1937, when Pope Pius XI established the Diocese of Liepāja, it was raised to the rank of cathedral.
Architecturally the cathedral stands out for its neo-Romanesque style: red-brick masonry, a massive central tower with bells, and three smaller turrets. Inside is preserved an organ built in 1904 by the master organ builder Emilis Martinas, listed among the state-protected musical instruments, while the walls and vaults are decorated with paintings of biblical scenes.
The cathedral is the most important place for the Catholic community in Liepāja and throughout Courland — the diocese's main celebrations are held here, along with concerts and pastoral events.