Sacred Heart Cathedral, Vunapope
Vunapope Catholic Mission
A century-old Catholic mission and cathedral on the eastern outskirts of Kokopo. It was used as a prisoner-of-war camp by the Japanese during World War II.
The Vunapope Catholic Mission was founded in 1882 by the French Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. It is one of the earliest mission centres in the island regions of New Guinea. The grounds include a cathedral, a hospital and a school. During World War II, the Japanese held missionaries and civilians here. Today, the Sacred Heart Cathedral hosts Tolai-language choir singing at Sunday Mass, and you can visit quietly outside of Mass. Entry is free. Please dress appropriately.
Opening hours
Daytime
Nearby sights
- Kokopo Waterfront
- Kokopo Market
- Kokopo War & Cultural Museum
- Bita Paka War Cemetery
- Tavurvur Volcano
- Japanese Barge Tunnels
- Vulcan Crater
- Rabaul Hot Springs