Religious diversity right next to each other

Only when I arrived to Hong Kong I realized how little I knew about this place. First, I imagined it to be only tall buildings and expacts rushing around in suits and local people rushing even more. No. Here I realized how much nature Hong Kong offers and how much sceneries, islands or beaches are to be explored. However, there was one more thing that suprprised me. Here, thousands of kilometres from Europe or Middle East, three biggest world monotheistic religions who have fought against each other for centuries and current situation isn't calm either, they can work out next to each other. Of course, the communities are not so big and powerful but it is a nice sign. On the map below you see, that to visit all three places of worship - Ohel Leah Synagogue, Jamia Mosque and Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception - you need 11 minutes of walking. In addition, not far from all of these sites of interest is a cemetery (next to Happy Valley Racecourse), that have Catholic, Muslim and Jewish sections.

Jamia Mosque

When you go up the Mid-Levels escalators, keep looking at left and you can miss it. It is the oldest mosque in Hong Kong built already in 1840's. Very small and simpleand open to everyone, even though further reading below says that it is open to Muslims only.

Ohel Leah Synagogue

Unfortunatelly, it was impossible to enter the synagogue as it serves uniquely as a prayer house for the Jewish community and even though I am talking about peaceful cohabitation of the religions in Hong Kong, the security is still on a high level. Nevertheless, the official website offers an option to book a visit. This synagogue was built in Colonial-Sephardic style in 1908. On the picture, you see the two towers of the building as I was not allowed to take a closer picture. More pictures are in the further reading. It is located on 70 Robinson Street.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

The buildings of this Roman Catholic church were finished in 1888. Unfortunately, the day, when I visited this site, it was closed so I wasn't able to see the interior. However, among other artifacts is also a relic of Pope John Paul II. - his hair to be exact. It is built in English Gothic Revival style and you can find it on 16 Caine Road.

Further readings

- http://www.discoverhongkong.com/in/see-do/culture-heritage/other-places-of-worship/jamia-mosque.jsp

- http://ohelleah.org/ols/

- http://cathedral.catholic.org.hk/index.php?id=4