Sheshanskaya Basilica of the Virgin Mary is at the top of Snake Mountain (Sheshan). This is the only hilly mountain in Shanghai, with a very mild climate, which attracts tourists and visitors. On a nearby hill is the National Forest Park.

In 1863, during the Taiping Rebellion, Jesuit monks were able to buy land on the mountain and put the temple at the spot where earlier there was a Jesuit monastery. After less than 100 years, the number of people wishing to pray in the church, was so great that the church could not accommodate all those who suffer. That's why we decided to build a new, bigger in size building - granite basilica. Construction was carried out for 10 years, almost until the end of 1935 and 1940 years the Basilica of the Virgin Mary has become quite famous Catholic church in the East. Today the basilica has not lost its influence, to worship the Virgin Mary every day, visited by hundreds of pilgrims.

The building of the temple can be seen from afar - its height, together with the bell tower is 38 meters. You can get in two different ways. The first way - to go all the way on foot. This path leads past the old pagodas, bamboo forest, then along the Tropic of muddled with pointers to the temple itself. The second method - using the funicular. It is much faster, but expensive. The ticket for the cable car costs 10 yuan for 1 person. The view from the top tour - one of the most beautiful in the western suburbs of Shanghai.

The church has a form of "cross." It is noteworthy that during the construction of the basilica dispensed with metal bars and nails - it is all made of granite stone. Above the altar, carved in marble, is the image of Our Lady with Jesus in her arms.

The temple can accommodate about 3,000 people. The interior of the basilica is not a luxury or pompous, but nonetheless impressive architecture operates on the guests.

During the Cultural Revolution severely damaged the building of the basilica and all the stained glass windows and paintings destroyed. In 1981, the Church regained possession of the local diocese, and the Basilica was restored.