Ancient churches in Hanoi

1. Hanoi Cathedral

The Great Church (St. Joseph Cathedral) was built from 1884 to 1887, bearing the mark of classical Gothic architecture, majestic and magnificent in the heart of the capital. Over the centuries, the Great Church is still an attractive destination, where people can come to experience the spiritual space and admire the wonderful architectural beauty. Hanoi Great Church is a "historical witness" in the heart of the old town, going through many ups and downs of the capital.

The church is 64.5 meters long, with a 31.5 meter high bell tower, secured by large stone pillars. The church was built in the architectural style of Notre Dame Cathedral with towers and symmetrical axes. The main door and windows are designed with a characteristic pointed arch shape with unique patterns. The highlight of the Cathedral is also the statue of the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus made of sophisticated stone.

Address: 40 Nha Chung, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

2. Ham Long Church

Ham Long Church is a church of the Roman Catholic Church, under the Archdiocese of Hanoi. The church has a unique Western architectural style, built by Vietnamese architect Doctor Than. The bell tower is located right at the center of the church, the columns and altar are decorated with rope motifs, similar to the Franciscan habit.

Ham Long Church is not as majestic and magnificent as the Great Church, but it brings a different beauty with the simplicity in architectural lines and construction materials. The architect uses folk materials such as bamboo, lime-glued straw or paper in the design of the dome, creating a sound-reflecting effect. Thanks to that, when performing the ceremony, there is no need to use sound equipment, the sound quality still meets the requirements.

Address: 21 Ham Long, Phan Chu Trinh ward, Hoan Kiem district

3. North Gate Church

Cua Bac Church was built from 1925 to 1930, located on a plot of land along Phan Dinh Phung Street and the corner of Nguyen Bieu Street, next to the north gate of Thang Long Citadel, so people also call it Cua Bac Church. The church has a prominent yellow color with a mixed Asian - European architectural style, so it is visited by many tourists.

Architect Ernest Hébrard created an asymmetrical architectural space with a soaring bell tower on the main hall, making the church unique compared to most architectural works built in a symmetrical form. The tiled roof system extends from the bell tower through the dome to the main and secondary spaces, bearing the appearance of traditional communal houses and pagodas in Vietnamese villages. In addition, windows and skylights are treated with Thai roofs to block the sun and rain, except for large decorative and skylight windows which are fitted with anti-glare glass.

Address: 56, Phan Dinh Phung Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

4. An Thai Church

An Thai Church is located in the small alley 460 Thuy Khue, in the Ke Buoi area of ​​the South of West Lake, so it is also known as Ke Buoi. The church was built in the late 19th - early 20th century (around 1893-1907), with Renaissance architectural style. This is one of the oldest and smallest churches in Hanoi with an area of ​​only about 100 m2, surrounded by residential areas on all sides.

Despite its small size, An Thai Church still exudes a solid and majestic appearance. Over time, the moss and the color change of the exterior paint further enhance the ancient and mysterious beauty of the church. On the front of the church is the Latin inscription "Mater Dolorosa ora pro nobis", meaning Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us". The church sanctuary can accommodate about 100 people. On holidays, the number of people coming to the parish reaches several hundred.

Address: Alley 460 Thuy Khue, Tay Ho

5. Phung Khoang Church

Phung Khoang Church (Our Lady of the Rosary Church) is a Roman Catholic church belonging to the Archdiocese of Hanoi, Vietnam. The church was built in 1910, designed in Roman style. The church has a harmonious relationship between the rectory, the rooms and the surrounding landscape.

The glass door system between the two roofs of the church makes the inside of the church full of light. Previously, the walls inside the church were decorated with many embossed patterns, but in the recent restoration, people scraped off all the embossed patterns, so the wall surface became smooth as seen now.

Address: 161 Phung Khoang Street, Phung Khoang 1, Trung Van, Tu Liem

Bileo