LOCAL LIFETYLE
Notre Dame Cathedral Vietnam is honored as one of the world's 19 most majestic cathedrals, the only representative from Southeast Asia. This long-lasting masterpiece, seen as the architectural symbol of Ho Chi Minh City, hosts a flock of new tourists every day who seek ancient grandeur, holiness, and enchanting photography spots.
Besides having the vibrancy of a financial hub, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) retains historical vestiges captivating both domestic and international tourists. Standing out in the heart of the city, Notre Dame Cathedral Vietnam is not only a sought-after attraction in Saigon but also the most emblematic landmark in the country, let alone the city. This article will provide you with the essential information you need to know for your visit to this famous religious site.
1. Where is Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral?
Address: No.1 Cong xa Paris St, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon (Nhà thờ Đức Bà Sài Gòn in Vietnamese), officially Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception, occupies the bustling Paris Commune Square in the downtown of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This French-built church enlivens the tourist precinct which embraces Vietnam's largest and oldest post office - Saigon Central Post Office in District 1, gaining popularity as a pilgrimage site among Catholic believers and foreign and local visitors.
2. Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon history
Back in the late 19th century, when the French conquered Vietnam, the French government ordered the construction of a large church that served as a place of worship and community services for French colonists. In 1863, the church’s construction was first started on the bank of the Charner canal (Kinh Lon). Two years later, the wooden building was completed and named “Saigon Church”; however, it was quickly damaged by termites.
In 1960, Pope John XXIII - The sovereign of the Vatican City State established the Roman Catholic dioceses in Vietnam and named it Saigon Chief Cathedral. In 1962, he performed an anointing ceremony to confer the Basilica status of the Saigon cathedral. Since then, this cathedral has earned its official title of Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon.
The locals also call it Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady (Duc Ba Cathedral) due to the statue on the front campus.
Throughout centuries of construction and renovation, Sai Gon Notre Dame Basilica witnessed the city's turbulent history and has become a trademark of the urban architecture in South Vietnam. Nowadays, this 159-year-old cathedral still functions as a religious stronghold for roughly 6.2 million Catholics in Saigon and a striking relic for tourists.
Currently, Ho Chi Minh City Archdiocese is launching an extensive renovation project on Sai Gon Notre Dame Basilica, scheduled from 2017 to 2023, which would cost an estimated US$ 6 million.
3. Architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral in Vietnam
3.1. Building materials
To build a highly resistant structure, the contractor of Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica imported all the building materials from France which was remarkably uncommon at that time. Its roof tiles were supplied from Marseille, while the stained glasses were manufactured by the Lorin firm of Chartres. Notably, the exterior of the cathedral was made of bricks from Toulouse. Even without concrete coasting, these bricks have retained their bright red color until today and are free of moss.
3.2. Design of Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral Notre Dame Cathedral
Basilica Saigon features a distinctive neo-Romanesque and Gothic design, forming its solemn and elegant overlook. The magnificent grandeur is characterized by twin bell towers, ornate stained-glass windows, and a red-brick facade. The landmark is 93 meters long and 35 meters wide with a 21-meter-high dome, and its foundation can bear 10 times the weight of the entire structure. Unlike other local churches, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral does not have surrounding fences, making it easy for tourists and pedestrians to admire its elaborate exterior from the streets.
Throughout over 150 years of construction and renovation, Notre Dame Cathedral Vietnam has kept its outstanding appearance and become one of the most glorious French colonial architectural works in the country. The castle-like Saigon Basilica is an unmissable destination for tourists coming to marvel at its ancient allure and sacredness.
