The old Catholic churches in Sai Kung hold significant cultural and historical value. These churches were built by Jesuit missionaries in the early 20th century, reflecting their focus on rural areas and small villages. Today, these churches are surrounded by Catholic villages, symbolizing the enduring legacy of the missionaries' influence.
These structures serve as a testament to the early Chinese-Western interactions in remote villages of Sai Kung. Through the construction of these churches, the missionaries fostered a blending of Chinese and Western cultures, shaping the development of these communities.
Building 360° virtual tours of these churches not only helps preserve their historical significance but also vividly showcases the cultural exchanges between Chinese villagers and foreign missionaries in the early 20th century. These tours highlight the role of the Catholic Church in the early development of Sai Kung’s villages, allowing modern-day audiences to appreciate this unique heritage.
Reference:
Diocesan Working Committee for “Following Thy Way”.
Retrieved from https://thyway.catholic.org.hk/
Antiquities Advisory Board. "Historic Buildings".
Retrieved from https://www.aab.gov.hk/en/historic-buildings/results-of-the-assessment/index.html