The 26 Martyrs Museum was built on Nishizaka Hill in Nagasaki, Japan in June 1962 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the canonization by the Roman Catholic Church of the Christians executed on the site on the 5th of February 1597. Its interior is reminiscent of a church with stained-glass windows, making for excellent viewing of the exhibits. On display are artifacts related to Christianity in Japan, including old documents, statues and jewelry. Explanations of many of the pieces are in English and give the viewer an upclose look back at many of the hardships and challenges were placed on the Nagasaki Christians in the 16th and 17th Century. As with most of my stories and investigations into all things Nagasaki, it took me about 8 visits to the actual 26 Martyrs Monument before I stumbled upon this gem of a museum. It doesn`t even get close to half of the visitors that the Atomic Bomb Museum but each corresponding visit by yours truly has opened another angle or targeted wave of investigation into a never ending story of the Nagasaki Hidden Christians. Well worth a visit and worth every penny of its 500 yen entrance fee. 1 or 2 hours of your time can be used up with ease at this location. Here is a map of the 26 Martyrs Museum in Nagasaki City:
Here are a few photos taken from the exterior of the 26 Martyrs Museum: Please click to enlarge.
Please check out the 26 Martyrs Museum in these videos below: