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Churches are not just religious symbols, but also places where we can satisfy our passion for architecture. They are not only places for worship or sermons. If you're in Da Lat and want to explore famous religious landmarks, dalatcamping.net introduces the 10 most beautiful churches in Da Lat in this article. Let's explore the churches in Da Lat now!
The Cathedral (Chicken Church)
The Cathedral, also known as the Chicken Church because there is a rooster-shaped lightning rod on the bell tower, is a beautiful and valuable architectural work in Da Lat. Construction of this church began in 1931 and was completed in 1942 with the title of Saint Nicholas of Bari, later changed to the title of Our Lady of God. The architecture of the church is symmetrically designed in a classical style, measuring 65m in length, 14m in width, and the bell tower is 47m high.
The location of the Cathedral is splendid, although it does not directly overlook Xuan Huong Lake, but due to its tall bell tower, it offers views from any position at the foot of the hill. The main entrance of the church faces directly towards Lang Biang Mountain.
The roof is covered with 70 colored glass panels (made in France) depicting scenes of the Gospel and portraits of saints, creating a majestic and mystical atmosphere inside the sanctuary. The walls are adorned with bas-reliefs measuring 1m x 0.8m created by sculptor Xuan Thi. The church grounds are enclosed by a closed fence.
The Cathedral is where the moral activities of the diocese and parish of Da Lat take place, where people come to pray and seek peace in their souls.
Cam Ly Church
Cam Ly Church was built in 1959 and completed in 1967, from the idea of the French priest Boutary about a shared house of God and Yang. Those who created Cam Ly Church demonstrated cultural integration through architectural art by expressing worship of God integrated into the worship of Yang. Enveloping the church is a 17m-high roof made of 80,000 pieces of slate tiles, weighing 90 tons.
From afar, it resembles a giant axe lying across the sky, evoking images of primitive tools and weapons closely associated with the daily life of the Central Highlands ethnic groups.
The main load-bearing structure is a reinforced concrete frame for the open ceiling, with 40cm-thick stone walls, 2m high, topped by stained glass. The 3m-high columns, measuring 20 x 50cm, are closely linked to the roof truss structure spanning 12m impressively. To roof a structure with such a steep slope, holes were drilled into the edge of 80,000 flat tiles to thread zinc wire and tie the tiles to the battens. The beauty is etched into each stone slab, each moss-covered tile.
The church floor is a simple rectangular shape with an area of 324m2, one-third of which is allocated to the sanctuary, and the remaining two-thirds are for worshipers to pray. The interior walls of the church are designed with 2m-high stone partition walls, on which are fitted stained glass windows in green, brown, and yellow.
The space is illuminated by ethereal light from square and triangular stained glass windows symbolizing the moon and the sun. The adjacent frames are adorned with unique ethnic patterns. On the sanctuary is a 4m-long, 1m-wide altar made of aged pine wood. Beneath the crucifix, on the stone wall, are three buffalo horns (sacrificial objects of the indigenous people), and above is a ventilation hole also adorned with ethnic patterns…
Over half a century has passed, and Cam Ly Church still retains its pristine beauty as it did when first built. Here, you not only admire the beauty of the church, but also the beauty emanating from the hearts of the nuns, the caretakers who have diligently nurtured and educated generations of underprivileged ethnic children, warming your heart on a Dalat afternoon...
Domaine de Marie Church
When in Dalat, besides familiar spots like Xuan Huong Lake, the Valley of Love, or Prenn Waterfall, tourists should not overlook Domaine De Marie Church – Our Lady's Domain situated on Ngô Quyền Street, just 1km southwest of downtown Dalat. Domaine De Marie Church is designed and built in the 17th-century European architectural style combined with some Vietnamese folk architecture. This architectural style is unique and distinct from any other church in Dalat.
The front facade of the church is designed in an isosceles triangle shape, with a crucifix hanging at the peak of the roof. At the front are small arched doors, and in the middle of the facade is a circular rose window. This detail originated in French churches from the late 17th century. The roof system of the church resembles the roofs of the communal houses of the Central Highlands ethnic groups.
The walls are constructed with split stones and have a height proportional to the windows following the architectural style of Normandy in northern France. The lower walls are built quite thick, with the doors designed to be recessed inside, making the side of the structure more unique and impressive. From its completion to the present day, the church has only used a dark pink lime wash to paint the walls. Under the sunlight, the church becomes radiant and magnificent like a part of fairy tales or myths.
Initially, the church did not have a bell tower. Today, the church has been equipped with a bell tower located behind the main sanctuary with a small bell. Behind the church compound is a modern architectural complex consisting of three rows of 3-story houses of the Sisters of Charity, surrounding the inner garden, painted with yellow ochre and red-tiled roofs.
Within the church compound, you can see various vibrant colored flowers, especially orchids. Behind the church is a newly designed architectural complex, adding solemnity and grandeur to the entire structure.
Domaine De Marie Church boasts a unique architecture, blending Western classical style with elements of ethnic minority architecture from the Central Highlands. Consequently, it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Da Lat. If you plan to visit Da Lat, don't forget to stop by this architectural gem to admire its unusual and impressive beauty.
Du Sinh Church
The name of this ancient church has piqued the curiosity of many travelers. According to the phonetic transcription by Father Thien Phong Buu Duong, the founder of the parish, Du Sinh means Joseph. Additionally, some believe that 'Du Sinh' denotes the indigenous origin of the local residents, as they resemble wandering people. Others interpret 'Du Sinh' as referring to the followers of Jesus on their earthly journey.
The Du Sinh Church is situated on a hill along Princess Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street in the City of Thousand Flowers. In 1955, Father Thien Phong Buu Duong constructed this church for Catholic migrants from the North, completing it on Christmas Day in 1957. The separate bell tower was completed in 1962.
When building the Du Sinh Church, Father Buu Duong initially intended to construct a temporary church with the future plan of building a church in the Gothic architectural style. However, shortly after, Father Buu Duong had to move away for work, and his intention was never realized. Nevertheless, this church has been preserved and maintained to this day, becoming one of the ideal destinations in the city of Da Lat.
Sacred Heart Church
Da Lat not only captivates visitors with its dreamy and serene beauty but also enthralls them with numerous architectural marvels. Among them is the Sacred Heart Church, a fascinating destination in Da Lat that you shouldn't miss when visiting.
The Sacred Heart Church is one of the components of the Da Lat Cathedral Parish, entrusted to the Fathers of the Vinh Son Holy Missionary Society for care. Additionally, it serves as the main house of the Vinh Son Missionary Society (Vietnam Vice Province). With its modern European-style architecture, elegant white dominates the structure, making it a flawless architectural gem. If you have the opportunity to travel to Da Lat, you definitely cannot miss visiting this Sacred Heart Church!
Thien Lam Parish
Thien Lam Parish, located about 2 kilometers from the center of Da Lat, promises to be a famous tourist destination in Da Lat. The first attraction of Thien Lam Parish comes from its history.
The predecessor of Thien Lam Parish was the Holy Heart parish, initially part of the Holy Mother parish. In 1975, Bishop Bartholomew Nguyen Son Lam decided to elevate this parish to the rank of a parish and appointed Father Joseph Tran Minh Tien as the pastor. The new parish was named Thien Lam, composed of the name of the parish Da Thien and the name of Bishop Bartholomew Nguyen Son Lam, as a way to express nostalgia for the roots.
With a history of over 32 years, the parish is now a tourist attraction imbued with ancient beauty and the mark of faith. Especially noteworthy is the exquisite arrangement of statues of Vietnamese entrepreneurs within the parish compound.
For example: the statues of Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Bishop Cassaigne, Father Dac Lo, poet Han Mac Tu, the contemplative statue of Jesus in the wilderness,... All contribute to creating a unique and peaceful tourist space for visitors when they come to visit this place. This makes Thien Lam Parish both European and distinctly Vietnamese in beauty.
The architecture of Thien Lam Parish is also an interesting highlight. It consists of 9 circular floors representing heaven and earth according to Vietnamese culture. Each floor is 2.5 meters apart, with balconies all around for tourists to admire the beautiful city of Da Lat. At the 9th floor, 36 meters high in the vast sky, one can see afar the Cathedral of Da Lat, the Ngũ Hành residential area of Da Lat University, the Langbiang mountain range,...
From a distance, the landscape of Thien Lam Parish evokes the image of the two peaks of Langbiang Mountain, with the distinctive feature of Da Lat on the Lam Vien plateau, thanks to the two red roofs rising high above the low roof of the church. On fine days, one can clearly see the prominent backdrop of the Langbiang mountain range. It all creates a harmonious natural picture that leaves visitors with indescribable nostalgia.
Evangelical Church
Da Lat – a destination that leaves an unforgettable impression on anyone who sets foot there. It is also known by many nicknames such as the city of thousands of flowers, the dreamy city, the land of mist, the land of love... In Da Lat, tourists experience a peaceful land, harmoniously blending nature and humanity. Besides, Da Lat is famous for its churches, including the Evangelical Church.
Linh Son Pagoda - the symbol of Da Lat
The Evangelical Church is situated on a hill with a peaceful and romantic scenery. With a clear European-style design, the Evangelical Church has a triangular roof and 2 Crosses symbolizing faith. When visiting this church, you not only admire the beauty of architecture and nature but also find peace within yourself.
Most tourists passing by Linh Son Pagoda always want to capture a memory with a photo. It seems that this place has become an iconic, famous brand of Da Lat, attracting tourists from both inside and outside the country.
Vạn Thành Church
The origin and time when the title 'Vạn Thành' was given remain unclear. Its location is in the southwest of Da Lat city, making it one of the farthest parishes compared to others in the city. The formation of this parish is related to the events of 1954. On October 28, 1955, Father Giacôbê Đào Hữu Thọ DCCT, after returning from the DCCT Academy in Da Lat, guided 20 representatives of 20 families temporarily residing in Thánh Tâm Hố Nai parish who wanted to move to Cam Ly precinct to grow vegetables and potatoes and explore unused land.
Most of these people had lived in the Bút Thượng area, Bút Đông parish, belonging to Hanoi, and were descendants of Father Thọ. With the help of the father, they were allowed to use the unused land in this area by the owners of Cam Ly precinct. Spiritually, the father also cared for the incorporation of Kim Thạch village (formerly belonging to DCCT) by Father Phêrô Vũ Trí Tri.
On June 15, 1958, due to difficult roads, Father Thọ arranged for them to incorporate Du Sinh parish under the jurisdiction of Father Bửu Dưỡng of the Dominican Order and assistant priest Gioan Nguyễn Kim Ngôn. However, since the journey was still long, everyone wished to have a church on the spot to worship God.
On the feast day of Saint Joseph in 1959, the parishioners came together to commence the construction, and by the beginning of the same year, the church was completed. They joyfully chose Christ the King as their Patron Saint and Our Lady of Perpetual Help as their Protector. Since then, Vạn Thành seems to have achieved increasing 'success and accomplishments' fitting its name.
On the feast day of Christ the King in 1961, the parishioners were deeply moved and reassured when Bishop Simon Hòa Nguyễn Văn Hiền came to celebrate Mass and offer guidance. At the beginning of 1964, when Father Roco Trần Phúc Long became the parish priest of Du Sinh, many other families also came to settle, increasing the total number of residents from over 100 to 218, and the church was expanded by three more bays.
On June 8, 1975, Father Andrew Nguyễn Văn Thành was appointed as the parish priest, and on April 4, 1976, Father Thomas Đình Quí became the assistant priest. In 1978, the church was rebuilt and a sanctuary was added. From September 1991, Father Nguyễn Văn Thành alone took care of both Minh Giáo and Vạn Thành parishes.
Under the care of the diocese and the direct guidance of the responsible priests, Vạn Thành is now a parish teaching the good path and adhering to the Christian faith. The church in Vạn Thành has a rather simple architecture, not overly grandiose, yet this gives visitors a friendly and intimate feeling when visiting.
Tung Lam Church
Tung Lam Parish is a constituent of the Vietnamese Salvatorian Order. With a history of over 60 years of development, the parish continues to grow and improve through architectural renovations and recruitment of new believers. All these efforts have been spearheaded by the parish priest and other responsible priests since the establishment of the parish.
Tung Lam Parish exudes the precious essence of an Order parish and maintains close ties with other parishes in the diocese. Over the years, the parish has contributed 4 priests and 5 nuns to the Church. Currently, the parish has about 1000 parishioners and actively participates in building the Church at the local level.
In anticipation of its third millennium, the parish plans to build a new, grander church. The church has undergone several generations of parish priests, and with the determination of each Father, this miraculous moment can now become a reality.
Mother Mary Church
Situated at 89 Thanh Mau Street, Ward 7, Dalat City, Lam Dong Province, Mother Mary Church was inaugurated in the spring of the Year of the Wood Horse in 1964 with the title Immaculate Mother. However, not everyone knows the details of the construction and development process of the church to become a famous tourist destination as it is today.
Formerly, this place was a parish located 6 kilometers to the right of the road to Suoi Vang. In the autumn of 1955, about 400 Catholics bought this piece of land to settle and do business under the guidance of Father Peter Manh Trong Bich. Despite facing many difficulties in the early years of establishment, the parish priest and the faithful always tried, step by step, to build the parish church. The result is a perfect and impressive construction as it is today.
Mother Mary Church Dalat was built on a total area of over 1200m2 and sits on a high hillside. Bearing the characteristics of Western classical architecture, this construction stands out amidst the lush greenery of the mountains and the clear blue sky. The architecture of the church is not overly elaborate and does not possess intricate decorative details. But the gentle, fresh pink color scheme and the soaring bell tower are eye-catching highlights that attract the attention of visitors, especially the youth, when they come to visit this place.
Above is a list of churches in Dalat that dalatcamping.net has compiled, where visitors can explore. Each church has its own unique features in terms of architecture, history, and culture. However, these are sacred and solemn religious sites, so visitors need to dress appropriately and visit during designated hours to avoid causing disturbance and maintain good hygiene.
Posted by: Duc Ly Minh
Keywords: Compilation of the 10 most beautiful churches in Dalat
