If you were to spend a day as a tourist in Hanoi, where would you go? In the list of places you mentioned, Travellive is sure there is one place you cannot miss: Hanoi Cathedral.
Silent witness through three centuries
Located in the heart of the capital, the Cathedral is a highlight in the urban space and is part of the heritage complex around Hoan Kiem Lake. Every year, especially at Christmas, the Cathedral is brilliantly decorated and becomes a destination and pilgrimage site for many Catholics and young people in Hanoi. Even non-religious people come to experience the warm atmosphere and listen to hymns in a very Hanoi space.
The Great Church is one of the earliest built Catholic buildings and the most beautiful church in Hanoi.
Built during the French colonial period, the Great Church is one of the few structures that has maintained its distinctive French architecture, preserved from the time of its construction until today. History notes that this church was built on the site of the ancient Bao Thien Pagoda, a major site associated with many events in the history of the Ly and Le dynasties. In the 17th century, Bao Thien Pagoda suffered a serious fire, was destroyed and became deserted when the monks left.
In 1884, Bishop Puginier undertook the design and construction of the Cathedral, which was completed by Christmas 1887. Initially, the church was built of wood, but after undergoing a major restoration, using bricks and concrete, the structure became as solid as it is today.
The Great Church looks ancient and quiet because the exterior paint has been painted with imitation wood to recreate the marks of time.
Originally named "St. Joseph's Cathedral", the capital's people know this place as Hanoi Cathedral. Experiencing the ups and downs of history and many changes of time, the Cathedral has quietly witnessed the "transformation" of the capital over the past three centuries.
Impressive Western architecture in the heart of Hanoi
The Cathedral is worthy of being the cathedral with the most beautiful architecture in the capital, built in the classic Gothic architectural style, inspired by Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The highlights of this building include the towers and symmetrical axes, which are familiar architecture often seen in famous European buildings.
Inside the church, rows of stained glass windows and many religious-themed wall paintings further emphasize and highlight the European architectural style.
The building is 64.5 m long, 20.5 m wide and has two 31.5 m high bell towers. From the front, visitors can see the church divided into three parts: two soaring bell towers on both sides, a lower block in the middle, ending with a triangular wall top with a cross as a highlight. The doors and windows mainly use the typical Gothic pointed arch form. In front of the church, there is a small square with a statue of the Virgin Mary, which is also a place where visitors gather to have fun and take photos.
Tourists can only enter the church through the side gate. From the outside, the Cathedral looks ancient and quiet because the exterior paint has been painted with imitation wood to recreate the marks of time. However, when stepping inside, the splendor and grandeur of the building makes many visitors exclaim in surprise.
Tourists can only enter the church through the side gate.
The interior of the church is divided into three parts: the reception hall above has a choir loft (for the choir), where parishioners perform worship, and the sanctuary - where mass is celebrated. The sanctuary and altars are decorated with carved wood, painted with gold, bearing a unique folk art style.
Overall, the building has a strong European Gothic architectural style, but also combines with local architecture, expressed through the terracotta tile roof system and interior decoration reflecting Vietnamese traditions. Thus, Hanoi Cathedral is not only a symbol of East-West architectural fusion but also contains a unique cultural fusion.
Many decorative details in traditional Vietnamese style are decorated along the walkways, on the walls, on the altar... creating impressive accents for the entire space.
Small model of Hanoi Cathedral.
Don't forget to enjoy the street food around the Cathedral
No one knows since when, lemon tea or a cup of fragrant street coffee has become a famous "specialty" at the Cathedral. Especially, in the afternoon or late evening, visitors can easily see groups of friends sitting and relaxing, chatting everywhere. Late afternoon, despite the hustle and bustle of people getting off work, sitting on the corner of the Cathedral street with a cup of lemon tea, listening to the bells ringing persistently will surely be an unforgettable experience.
Lemon tea at the Great Church still retains its characteristic sour taste, but has an irresistible appeal. When enjoyed with a cup of mango salad, fried sour sausage or a plate of sunflower seeds, the experience of enjoying lemon tea becomes richer and more interesting than ever.
