Updated: 18 Sep 2020
Hanoi Cathedral History with full name St. Joseph's Cathedral.
Hanoi Cathedral is a famous "three centuries old". The unique architecture of the great church and its history has always made visitors amazed. The cathedral is the place not only for the Vietnamese locals but also the foreign tourists.
Hanoi Cathedral Location.
The Hanoi Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in Vietnam. According to ancient times, Hanoi Cathedral was built on the base of Bao Thien tower (also known as Bao Thien Pagoda). Thus, the Great Church was the result of cultural intercourse between East and West and two distinct religions, Buddhism and Christianity (Between French and Vietnamese).
The forerunner of the Grand Chapel is a small wooden church built by the French bishop in 1884. The church was inaugurated in 1887 with the original name St. Joseph's Church. Over time with many times embellished new church looks like the present.
Hanoi Cathedral Overview
So far, the Great Church has spent three centuries with the ups and downs of the country Vietnam.
Hanoi Cathedral is located at 40, Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District. Adjacent to the church is the archbishop of Hanoi, the seminary of St. Joseph Hanoi, the Lovers of the Cross of Hanoi.
With impressive architecture and interesting historical-cultural stories, the Grand Cathedral is one of the most beautiful tourist sites in Hanoi, which is very popular for domestic and foreign tourists.
Special architecture of the Hanoi Cathedral
Hanoi Cathedral owns unique architecture and luxury. Although experiencing the moss of time, but the church retains the beautiful beauty, aristocratic with the blend of East West architecture, Buddha - God.
That is why the church is an indispensable destination in the journey of tourists in Hanoi one day.
In the interplay between two different cultures - different religions, the main architectural style of the great church is the Gothic. This was a very flourishing design in the Middle Ages - the twentieth century was in the Renaissance.
The architecture of the Hanoi Cathedral has similarities with the Notre Dame Cathedral with its large, curved dome, facing the sky. Although the wall paint has covered the color of time, but almost magnificent architecture, the magnificence of an ancient church is kept sharp.
You will not be surprised to see every detail in the whole church design. Whether it is simply stained glass or a small door frame is arranged, decorated very clever and delicate.
In particular, the church also has a five-bell bell set in the church. When the church bells ring, it is the symbol for all the people.
How to visit Hanoi Cathedral
Hanoi Cathedral is located in the center so it is very convenient to go. As our travel experience, I suggest you to book and stay in Old Quarter Hanoi; you can walk and visit it every day. Very simple.
If you are far away, you can take a bus or rent a motorbike ( be careful because of the crazy traffic in Hanoi, if you not confident and skillful, forget motorbike). The bus is cheap and some stops nearby the church, but you still need to walk a little bit. For the motorbike, you need to park with fee. Nowadays, Grab or Motorbike taxi is the best option. Grab is my advice but if using taxi, should choose the good one (Should ask the locals, your host).
Hanoi Cathedral is one of the famous religious activities from locals. You can follow the mass calendar as below:
- On weekdays from Monday to Friday, Mass takes place at 05h30 and 18h15.
- The seventh day has a Mass at 18h00.
- There are 7 Masses on Sundays: 05h00, 07h00, 09h00, 11h00 (French), 16h00 (Children's Festival), 18h00, 20h00 (youth ceremony).
Not only is a religious space - Catholic Church tourism is also a public holiday of Hanoi. From early morning to late night around worship thanks to crowds. People come to exercise, breathe fresh air. People gathered together friends "lemon tea cutting wind" ( Tra Chanh Chem Gio or Chit Chatting) in the street shops around the church ... Especially around the church there are many fun, famous dining of Hanoi City.
Hanoi Cathedral- Going around for coffee & tea.
We wish you great experience with Hanoi Cathedral!