CC BY-SA 3.0, FRED / Wikimedia CommonsLandmark· Mangareva· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
St Michael Cathedral (Rikitea)
23° 7.2′ S · 134° 58.2′ W
Built in 1839-1848 by Picpus missionaries from coral limestone rafted across the lagoon, this 48 m long, 1,200-seat church is called the largest in the South Pacific. Its altar is inlaid with mother-of-pearl and black pearls.
Practical
Coordinate from the Wikipedia article. A French list of historic monuments gives 23 deg 07'42"S 134 deg 58'07"W, so treat the pin as accurate to within about 1 km. On the main street south of the dock, past the gendarmerie and Air Tahiti. It was classified a historic monument in 2002, restored from 2009 and reopened for worship on 3 December 2011. Missionary Father Francois Caret lies in a crypt before the altar. The CED carving school behind the church teaches pearl-shell engraving (see College St Raphael Carving School). Dress modestly for a service.
Best for
The Gambier's signature landmark
Nearby
- College St Raphael Carving School (Rikitea)Right here
- King Maputeoa's Tomb (St Pierre Chapel, Rikitea)Right here
- Rikitea Internet and Vini CoverageRight here
- Rikitea MechanicsRight here
- Rikitea Post Office and ATMRight here
- Buying Gambier Black Pearls0.1 NM away
- Gambier Supply Ships (Taporo VIII and Nuku Hau)0.1 NM away
- Gendarmerie Rikitea (Port of Entry)0.1 NM away