Gravestones in Arie Christian History Park

Arie Christian History Park on a gentle slope near Nagasaki holds 20 early 17th-century Christian gravestones gathered from across the Arie area, representing more than 10 percent of the 192 confirmed Christian gravestones in all of Japan. The park opened in 1986 to mark the 350th anniversary of the Shimabara Rebellion. Three stones bear decorative carvings, including a cross fleury, a patriarchal cross, and a rare combination of both. One gravestone is inscribed with the name Luis and a date of March 24, 1607. Stone grave markers were an expensive luxury, indicating most owners had significant wealth or social standing.