Santa Cruz Church, one of the many old Catholic churches in Bangkok, was built in 1770 during the reign of King Taksin (1868 β 1782). This Church of the Holy Cross is a legacy of Portuguese-Siamese relations that date back to the 16th century. Nestled among old houses on the river banks and newer buildings inland, the reddish dome of the old Catholic church is a prominent landmark on the Chao Phraya River. After the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, the Portuguese continued with their military support to King Taksin in his efforts to drive the Burmese out of Siam. The supply of mercenaries, cannon and muskets contributed significantly to King Taksinβs army. In recognition of their services, King Taksin granted the Portuguese a plot of land to build a church. This grant was made during his royal visit to this village on 14 September 1769. #dtai #dtaisketchtour #pigmentograph #pleinair #watercolor #aquarelle #usk #urbansketch #urbansketchers #sketchbook #bangkok #thonburi #thailand #siamese #portugese #santacruz #kingtaksin
