Iconic Churches You Absolutely Can't Miss This Christmas

Historic and renowned churches truly come alive during the Christmas season, sparkling more beautifully than ever. They draw visitors in, inviting them to explore and soak up the peaceful, heartwarming atmosphere.
Cong Thuong Newspaper is delighted to present some famous churches that are a must-visit during the Christmas season.
Hanoi Grand Cathedral - a unique ancient architectural masterpiece
Hanoi Grand Cathedral, officially known as St. Joseph's Cathedral, is located at 40 Nha Chung Street, right at the intersection of three streets: Nha Chung, Nha Tho, and Ly Quoc Su, in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

Hanoi Grand Cathedral is designed in the style of medieval European Gothic architecture (Photo: Dieu Linh)
Hanoi Grand Cathedral showcases a 19th-century Neo-Gothic style, featuring typical European towers and symmetrical axes. This remarkable architectural work measures 64.5 meters in length, with a bell tower soaring to 31.5 meters. At the time of its construction, it was considered one of the most unique and magnificent architectural landmarks in Hanoi's Old Quarter specifically, and in the capital city of Hanoi generally.
Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon - a highlight of the city named after Uncle Ho
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica was built on October 7, 1877, by Bishop Isodore Comlombert. Its architecture is a blend of Roman and Gothic styles, giving it a distinctly classical and elegant feel. The cathedral was constructed according to the design of architect J. Bourard, encompassing the basilica, bell towers, and a park.

The architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica is a combination of Roman and Gothic styles (Photo: Focus Asia Travel)
After more than a century since its construction, this cathedral has retained its inherent ancient charm, standing out with a distinctive beauty amidst the city's bustling and luxurious landscape. Consequently, it remains a top destination for many tourists visiting Ho Chi Minh City.
Tan Dinh Church, Ho Chi Minh City
Tan Dinh Church is one of the most famous Catholic churches in Ho Chi Minh City, officially known as the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is one of the earliest and largest churches built in the city. Tan Dinh Church belongs to Tan Dinh Parish, located approximately 1.7 km from the Independence Palace, at 289 Hai Ba Trung Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.

Tan Dinh Church generally features Gothic architecture, but its decorative details incorporate elements of Roman and Baroque styles (Photo: giaoxutandinh)
Tan Dinh Church is a unique architectural masterpiece, boasting an impressive Gothic style that is quite rare among churches in Vietnam today. Construction officially began in 1870 and the church was inaugurated in 1876. Initially, the entire structure was a pale yellow, but after several renovations, it was painted a distinctive pink. The church's facade features a main tower flanked by two smaller auxiliary towers.
It was the distinctive color of this building that quickly drew attention to Tan Dinh Church and left a lasting impression on the residents of Ho Chi Minh City at the time. While predominantly Gothic in architectural style, many of the church's details are adorned with Roman and Baroque influences.
Phat Diem Stone Cathedral - Ninh Binh
Located in Phat Diem town, Kim Son district, Ninh Binh province, Phat Diem Stone Cathedral is renowned for its long history of construction and its impressive design, which blends Buddhist and Catholic architectural elements. Phat Diem Stone Cathedral is situated approximately 28 km south of Ninh Binh City and covers an area of 22 hectares, measuring about 117 meters wide and 243 meters long.

All structures of Phat Diem Stone Cathedral are arranged on an overall layout resembling the Chinese character 'Vương' (King) (Photo: ninhbinhlegend)
The structures of Phat Diem Stone Cathedral feature an open-and-closed spatial arrangement, distinctly reflecting Eastern landscape design principles. With a lake in front and mountains behind, this not only enhances the picturesque scenery but also embodies the East Asian philosophy of 'water in front, mountains behind,' symbolizing a wish for good fortune and peace in both present and future life.
After decades of construction, this site has maintained its impressive beauty, blending Asian and European styles, and continues to attract a large number of tourists each year.
Kien Lao Shrine Church - Nam Dinh
This church is very large, with a numerous and affluent congregation, ranking among the wealthiest in the Diocese.

Architecture of Kien Lao Shrine Churchfeatures a castle-like architecture(Photo: kienlao.net)
The church is designed and adorned with bas-relief statues, modeled after the Bui Chu Cathedral of Our Lady, and was built and designed by local parishioners and artisans from rural families in the region. A prominent feature of this grand church's architecture is its wide spherical dome and tall bell tower, nestled among the villages beside a clear blue river, creating a serene and ancient focal point in the landscape.
Kon Tum Wooden Church
Kon Tum Wooden Church is located on Nguyen Hue Street, Kon Tum City, Kon Tum Province. Construction began in 1913, was completed in 1918, and the church stands to this day. Kon Tum Cathedral was designed and initiated by a French priest.

The church features unique architecture made entirely of wood(Photo: tourtaynguyen)
The materials used to build the church are also very special; it's not made of stone like Phat Diem Stone Cathedral (Ninh Binh), nor brick or reinforced concrete like other churches, but entirely of the finest wood available at the time. 'Cà chít' (red sen wood), a characteristic timber of the Central Highlands region, was primarily used in its construction. Through the skillful hands of artisans from Binh Dinh, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, and other areas, the structure was erected, with wooden panels joined together using mortise and tenon joints without a single nail. The church stands as the world's only remaining wooden masterpiece in the Basilica style.
Domaine De Marie Church - a European imprint in the heart of Da Lat
Domaine de Marie Church is located on Ngo Quyen Street, approximately 1 km southwest of Da Lat City center. It is an architectural complex comprising a chapel and two rows of buildings belonging to the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul convent. The church grounds are situated on Mai Anh Hill, hence it is also known as Mai Anh Church.

The church was built entirely in the 17th-century European architectural style (Photo: Traveloka)
The first impression Domaine De Marie Church makes is its distinctive European architectural style, built on a vast area of up to 12 hectares. A particularly surprising fact is that the church does not use cement; instead, it employs other natural binders such as lime and molasses, with walls constructed from split stone up to the window sills.
Domaine De Marie Church has provided care for many orphaned children and also taught them weaving, embroidery, and painting. Behind the church lies the tomb of Madame Jean Decoux, commemorating the person who contributed to the church's construction and fulfilled her wishes. Madame Decoux passed away in a tragic accident on Prenn Pass in 1944 during a trip from Saigon to Da Lat.
Chicken Church - Da Lat
Chicken Church, also known as Da Lat Cathedral of Saint Nicholas of Bari, is one of Da Lat City's most distinctive landmarks. Located on Tran Phu Street in the city center, locals commonly refer to it as 'Chicken Church' because of the unique large rooster figure atop its bell tower. This rooster is a symbol left by the French builders and, according to the New Testament, also represents repentance.

The church was built entirely in the 17th-century European architectural style (Photo: Traveloka)
The first impression Domaine De Marie Church makes is its distinctive European architectural style, built on a vast area of up to 12 hectares. A particularly surprising fact is that the church does not use cement; instead, it employs other natural binders such as lime and molasses, with walls constructed from split stone up to the window sills.
Domaine De Marie Church has provided care for many orphaned children and also taught them weaving, embroidery, and painting. Behind the church lies the tomb of Madame Jean Decoux, commemorating the person who contributed to the church's construction and fulfilled her wishes. Madame Decoux passed away in a tragic accident on Prenn Pass in 1944 during a trip from Saigon to Da Lat.
Da Lat's Chicken Church was constructed by the French, beginning in 1931 and completed in 1942, featuring a unique Roman architectural style. The church is built in the shape of a cross, measuring 65 meters long and 47 meters high, with both its facade and floor plan designed in perfect symmetry. Furthermore, from the height of the bell tower, visitors can admire panoramic views of Da Lat City.
Phu Cam Church - Thua Thien Hue
Phu Cam Church is situated on a small hill named Phuoc Qua, in Phuoc Vinh Ward, on the southern bank of the Perfume River in Hue City. The structure boasts a beautiful location with expansive grounds, surrounded by other ecclesiastical buildings. It is one of the largest and most famous churches in Hue, with a considerably long history.

Phu Cam Church - Hue's most famous and largest church in the former imperial capital (Photo: Oi Hue)
Phu Cam Church is a highly valuable work in terms of history and architectural art; it is also a representative and precious masterpiece left by architect Ngo Viet Thu for Hue City, alongside other notable structures such as Hue University, Hue University of Education, Huong Giang Hotel, and Century Hotel. The church stands as a modern architectural landmark and is truly worthy of being considered a new-era heritage of Hue.
Hanoi 4918 view
Update day : 11/12/2023
Source : congthuong.vn Affiliate links
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