Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Tashkent
The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, also known as the Sacred Heart Cathedral or the Polish Church, is a Roman Catholic church situated on Sadiq Asimov Street in Tashkent. This striking early 20th-century building stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and architectural beauty.
The cathedral's construction began in 1912, spearheaded by Father Justin Bonaventura Pranaitis and designed by the renowned Polish architect Ludwik Panchakevich. The initial labor force included Catholic soldiers stationed in Tashkent, later replaced by prisoners of war skilled in engineering, sculpture, and bricklaying. Following the deaths of Pranaitis in 1917 and Panchakevich, the project continued under Father Boleslav Ruthenis.
From 1925 to 1976, the unfinished church was repurposed for secular use, serving as a hostel, a warehouse, and a space for various enterprises. During this period, much of its original sculptures and artwork were lost to theft or destruction.
In 1976, the building was transferred to the Ministry of Culture of the Uzbek SSR and declared an architectural and historical monument in 1981. Its transformation back into a place of worship began in 1992 when it was handed over to Tashkent's Catholic parish. Restoration work, led by architect Sergey Adamov and engineer Alexander Ponomarev, commenced in 1993. The cathedral was consecrated on October 22, 2000, by Archbishop Marian Oles, the Apostolic Nuncio to Central Asia.
The cathedral's design showcases stained glass windows, small rooftop towers, and an elegant arched doorway, reflecting its early 20th-century origins. Inside, it houses a living room and a library dedicated to Pope John Paul II, offering a space for community and study.
The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus serves as the episcopal seat of Fr. Jerzy Matsulevich, the Bishop of the Apostolic Administration of Uzbekistan. It is home to three Franciscan priests and one Franciscan monk. Sunday Mass is celebrated in English, Russian, Korean, and Polish, reflecting the cathedral's diverse congregation.
The cathedral's construction began in 1912, spearheaded by Father Justin Bonaventura Pranaitis and designed by the renowned Polish architect Ludwik Panchakevich. The initial labor force included Catholic soldiers stationed in Tashkent, later replaced by prisoners of war skilled in engineering, sculpture, and bricklaying. Following the deaths of Pranaitis in 1917 and Panchakevich, the project continued under Father Boleslav Ruthenis.
From 1925 to 1976, the unfinished church was repurposed for secular use, serving as a hostel, a warehouse, and a space for various enterprises. During this period, much of its original sculptures and artwork were lost to theft or destruction.
In 1976, the building was transferred to the Ministry of Culture of the Uzbek SSR and declared an architectural and historical monument in 1981. Its transformation back into a place of worship began in 1992 when it was handed over to Tashkent's Catholic parish. Restoration work, led by architect Sergey Adamov and engineer Alexander Ponomarev, commenced in 1993. The cathedral was consecrated on October 22, 2000, by Archbishop Marian Oles, the Apostolic Nuncio to Central Asia.
The cathedral's design showcases stained glass windows, small rooftop towers, and an elegant arched doorway, reflecting its early 20th-century origins. Inside, it houses a living room and a library dedicated to Pope John Paul II, offering a space for community and study.
The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus serves as the episcopal seat of Fr. Jerzy Matsulevich, the Bishop of the Apostolic Administration of Uzbekistan. It is home to three Franciscan priests and one Franciscan monk. Sunday Mass is celebrated in English, Russian, Korean, and Polish, reflecting the cathedral's diverse congregation.
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Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Map
Sight Name: Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Sight Location: Tashkent, Uzbekistan (See walking tours in Tashkent)
Sight Type: Religious
Sight Location: Tashkent, Uzbekistan (See walking tours in Tashkent)
Sight Type: Religious
Walking Tours in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Create Your Own Walk in Tashkent
Creating your own self-guided walk in Tashkent is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Shopping in Tashkent
In the East they say, "A guest on your doorstep is happiness in your home!". Indeed, the Uzbeks, like no other people, are happy to welcome foreigners to their exotic world of aromas, tastes and cordial relationships manifested in authentic local food and products. In Tashkent you can find both of these, and in a great variety, on the street markets (bazaars), in smaller shops and big... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.0 Km or 3.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.0 Km or 3.7 Miles
Tashkent Introduction Walking Tour
The capital city of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, also historically known as Chach, is the country's cultural, industrial and administrative hub. First settled some time between the 5th and 3rd centuries BC, throughout its long history the city has had various changes in political and religious affiliations. The name Tashkent comes from the Turkic tash and kent, which literally means "Stone... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Islamic Architecture Walking Tour
A visit to Uzbekistan is like leafing through the charred chapters of the Silk Road. Nowhere is this ambiance more exemplified than within the Islamic architecture adorning the streets of Tashkent.
One such architectural jewel is the Kukeldash Madrasah, dating back to the late 16th century. There is talk of making it into a museum, but it is currently still being used as a religious school.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
One such architectural jewel is the Kukeldash Madrasah, dating back to the late 16th century. There is talk of making it into a museum, but it is currently still being used as a religious school.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles