St. Francis of Assisi Church, Aden

Step into a piece of Arabian Catholic history when you visit the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, located in the coastal city of Aden, Yemen. Also known as the Proto-Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, this Catholic parish church offers a compelling glimpse into the region's rich ecclesiastical past.

From 1892 until 1974, this historic site served as the cathedral for the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, before the seat was relocated to St. Joseph's Cathedral in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. As a former cathedral of a bishop's see, it earns the title of "proto-cathedral." When you visit, you will observe a historic structure that still stands today, though its physical building has deteriorated considerably over time. During your exploration, look for the resilient statue of Christ blessing the sea, a striking feature that remains proudly in place despite having been attacked several times throughout its history.

You will also notice a dividing wall adjacent to the building. During the era of British rule, the site operated alongside the St. Anthony School for boys; however, the Yemeni government later appropriated the school and constructed a wall separating the temple from the educational facility. It is a poignant, historic site to behold.

What to see at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Aden

• Historic Catholic parish church and former cathedral from 1892 to 1974
• Resilient statue of Christ blessing the sea that remains in place
• Deteriorated yet standing historic architecture in Aden, Yemen
• Dividing wall built by the Yemeni government next to the former boys' school

Visiting tips

Be sure to look for the enduring statue of Christ blessing the sea, which uniquely remains standing despite past attacks.

How long: 1 hour · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

St. Francis of Assisi Church, Aden is easy to reach on Aden’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Aidrus Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Aden travel guide.