Immaculate Conception Cathedral

This Immaculate Conception Cathedral, which was built in 1988, reportedly the largest in Southeast Asia and dedicated by Pope John Paul II a year later, is the seat of the Diocese of Dili in East Timor. The Church of the Immaculate Conception is a beautiful Catholic cathedral in Dili, the former Portuguese colony's capital. On the side of East Timor, the Catholic Church actively engaged in the independence war. As a result, it was decided to build a cathedral in their honor as a thank you for their assistance throughout the battle.

The immense size of its design elicits awe, even though it is not especially ornate. A tall tower on one side overlooks the facade, and a figure of the Virgin Mary presides above the entryway, surrounded by stained-glass windows. The interiors are charmingly austere, with a collection of extraordinarily colorful stained-glass windows serving as a focal point. The church is accessed through a gate guarded by trumpeting angels and set within a beautiful lawn.

Leaders like Noble Laureate Bishop Belo advised people to enter the country's election with the attitude of the humility of Jesus Chris. On the 8th of December every year, many people assemble in Dili, Timor-Leste, at the 2,000-seat Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral for special services. The cathedral is significant because it played a key part in Timor-independence Leste's campaign, although being erected only in the 1980s. As the church played an important role in the country it became one of the most beautiful historical sites in Timor-Leste.

Address: CHR9+P66, Díli, Timor-Leste