Xizhimen Catholic Church or better known as Xitang (West Church) by the locals is newest church among the four oldest churches in Beijing. As the first non-Jesuit church in Beijing, the Xizhimen Catholic Church was first established by Teodorico Pedrini, an Italian Lazarist missionary in year 1723. The original building had been destroyed in 1811 and then rebuilt in 1867. However, the church encountered serious destruction once again during Boxer Rebellion. Later, the church was again restored in 1912. The church is well known for its delicate Collins pillars and Gothic styled peak arches which create a grand, elegant and solemn impression upon visitors.