Construction of a Catholic church in Tashkent began in 1912, initiated by priest Justin Bonaventura Pranaitis and designed by the renowned Polish architect Ludwik Panchakevich. Initially, the builders were Catholic soldiers stationed in Tashkent, later replaced by prisoners of war, including skilled engineers, sculptors, and bricklayers.
After the deaths of Pranaitis in 1917 and Panchakevich, construction continued under Catholic priest Boleslav Ruthenis. The Bolshevik revolution halted progress due to a lack of funds. From 1925 to 1976, the unfinished church housed various enterprises, a hostel, and a warehouse. During this period, all the sculptures were either stolen or destroyed.
In 1976, authorities decided to restore the building, transferring it to the Ministry of Culture of the UzSSR. By 1981, it was declared an architectural and historical monument of Uzbekistan. In 1992, the building was transferred to the Catholic parish of Tashkent, and full restoration began in 1993 under architect Sergey Adamov and engineer Alexander Ponomarev.
On October 22, 2000, the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was consecrated by Archbishop Marian Oles, the Apostolic Nuncio in Kazakhstan and Central Asia from 1994 to 2001. Currently, Sunday Mass is conducted in four languages: English, Russian, Korean, and Polish. The church is home to three Franciscan priests, one Franciscan monk, and the Bishop of the Apostolic Administration of Uzbekistan, Fr. Jerzy Matsulevich, whose episcopal chair is located there.
Know Before You Go
Visitors can enter the church during normal open hours. The church grounds are also worth visiting and are open around the clock.
Holy mass is conducted Tuesday to Sunday in Russian. It is also given in English, Korean, and Polish throughout the month.
| Category: | Culture |
|---|---|
| Address: | 80/1 Taraqqiyot Street |
| Phone: | +998-712-337-035 |
Tashkent Tours
Interested in being shown around Tashkent by a friendly and knowledgeable local guide?
We offer some of the most affordable tours in Tashkent, led by professional and experienced guides.
Our tours include:
- City walking tours exploring Tashkent’s history, culture, and architecture
- Day trips from Tashkent to Samarkand and other cities of interest
- Scenic mountain tours to Chimgan, Charvak, and beyond
Whether you’re looking to explore Tashkent’s rich urban history or escape to the countryside, we provide some of the best value-for-money experiences in the city.