Old Catholic Church on Bokor Mountain, Kampot

Why the French built a church on Bokor

The church dates from the early 1920s, when France was developing Bokor as a mountain resort for wealthy and elite residents. It was one of the buildings in that larger scheme, and it served the French Catholic community living on or visiting the plateau.

French architects designed it, and the builders used local materials, chiefly stone and wood. For the colonial administration it also worked as a visible marker of French presence in the region.

What happened after the French left

The mountain was abandoned under the Khmer Rouge regime and left to decay. During that period the church was used to store weapons and ammunition, and many of its artifacts and decorations were destroyed.

In recent years the building has been restored and opened up as a tourist attraction. Today it is a place where visitors can get a sense of the history of the area.

The building itself

The architecture combines Gothic and Romanesque elements. The most obvious features from outside are the tall bell tower and the detailed stone carvings.

Inside, look for the stained glass windows, marble columns and ornamental decoration. The altar is the focal point, with a large crucifix and carved detail. For a building of this age, it has been kept in good condition.

What to do while you are there

Bell tower view: one of the most popular things to do here is to look out over the surrounding mountains and countryside from the tower.
Guided tour: a tour covers the history and architecture of the church, and its religious and cultural significance.
Waterfall: a waterfall lies a short walk from the church, a place to cool off on a hot day.

Use the map link to find the church's exact position on the plateau.

Questions people ask

When was the old church on Bokor built?

It was built in the early 1920s, during the French colonial period, as part of a resort development on the mountain.

What was the church used for under the Khmer Rouge?

The mountain was abandoned and the church was used to store weapons and ammunition. Many of its artifacts and decorations were destroyed.

Can you go up the bell tower?

Yes, the view from the bell tower over the surrounding mountains and countryside is one of the main attractions.

Is there a guided tour?

Yes, a guided tour covers the church's history, architecture and cultural and religious significance.