The 26 Martyrs Museum, in Nagasaki

 

The 26 Martyrs Museum is dedicated to the 26 Christians who were executed here on

February 5, 1597. They included both foreign missionaries and Japanese laymen. Missionary

activities were prohibited at the time, and Japan’s ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi staged the execution

as a warning. The monument is located in a small park on a hill not far from Nagasaki Station

and offers nice views over the city.   

A straight red line runs from the Monument across the park’s plaza in the direction of the Oura

Cathedral on the opposite side of the city. Oura Cathedral is also dedicated to the 26 martyrs.

The museum behind the monument is devoted to the memory of the martyrs and to Christianity in

Japan in general. Its interior is reminiscent of a church with stained-glass windows, making for

atmospheric viewing of the exhibits. On display are artifacts related to Christianity in Japan,

including old documents, statues and jewelry.

 - Museums