St Joseph's catholic church, Aberdare was built in 1866-68 to a simple neo-Romanesque style design of Benjamin Bucknall of Swansea. The builder was Mr Richards of Aberdare. Bucknall trained under Charles Hansom in Bristol, and went on to set up his own practice in Swansea.

It is grade II listed for its special architectural interest as a church in a distinctive and unusual style that has survived relatively unaltered, albeit with some sensitive later additions. It is a prominent building on Monk Street and retains a range of furnishings and stained glass of quality. It is also of special historic interest in the development of the industrial areas of South Wales through the 19th century reflecting the influx of migrant workers and the growth of the Catholic religion in the working class communities of Wales.

Reference: Cadw Listed Building description.