In 1597, during the suppression of Catholicism in Nagasaki, a daimyō (war general) named Toyotomi Hideyosh ordered a mass crucifixion of missionaries and steadfast laity on Nishizaka Hill. The religion was forbidden for over 250 years. In 1864, the Oura Cathedral was built and dedicated to the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan. The opening prompted Christians to publicly renew their faith. Fifteen years later, this larger, Gothic-style co-cathedral was constructed. In 1933, Japan’s oldest Catholic church was declared a National Treasure. In 2016, Ōura Church became a basilica.
