About
Holy Ghost Cathedral stands on Cathedral Road in Mombasa, Kenya, and is known locally as the Holy Ghost Catholic Cathedral. It is a neo-Gothic Catholic church, built in the early 1900s by Portuguese missionaries, and it serves as the seat of the Mombasa Diocese.
What to look for
- The building's neo-Gothic architecture, which sets it apart from much of the coastal city's landscape
- Its stained glass windows, a feature the cathedral is especially known for
- Its role as the centre of the local Catholic diocese, which gives visits a sense of the church as a living community as well as a monument
Planning a visit
Holy Ghost Cathedral is a good stop for anyone interested in religious architecture or the missionary history of the Kenyan coast. Because it is an active place of worship, visitors are best to dress modestly and keep their visit respectful, particularly during services. For the current opening times and visiting arrangements, you can call the cathedral on +254 41 2225403 before you go.
The cathedral sits within Mombasa, a historic port city on the Indian Ocean, so it pairs naturally with a wider exploration of the old town and the waterfront.