Semarang, Indonesia
Blenduk Church (Gereja Blenduk)

A 250 year old protestant church steeped in religious tradition.

Crisco 1492 / Wikimedia Commons

Now 200 years old, this is the oldest church in the province of Central Java. The church sits in a quaint courtyard, starkly at odds with the office buildings that tower on either side.


The architectural characteristics of the church are its main draw, with a unique octagonal shape and shiny copper coloured dome contrasting with its clean white walls, it is unlike any of the buildings in the vicinity. Established in 1753, the original church sported a joglo style roof, the traditional Javanese roof with a sharply inclined centre. Together with the two guarding towers on either side, the dome was the latest addition that replaced the original roof. Wood panelled doors, Romay style porticoes and a decorative cornice give this building an extra flair of style. Gorgeous etched and stained glass windows featuring sea shades of blue, and green resembling fish scales, as well as the black, yellow and white tiled floor is another distinctive edge. Although initially meant just for Protestant worships, Catholics, who at the time did not have a church of their own, were embraced to join in worship here. This church is still a haven for the celebration of spirituality, and all people are welcomed through its doors.


Read More

Tips Before You Go
Check out the Baroque pipe organ hailing from the 1700s that sits within the church.
-6.9681295
110.42748019999999
Jl. Letjend. Suprapto No.32, Tj. Mas, Semarang Utara, Kota Semarang, Jawa Tengah 10460, Indonesia