Top 10 Most Beautiful Churches in Nam Dinh

Trung Linh Parish Church, located in the Bui Chu Diocese, was established in 1928. It is a large church with a large congregation, situated about 1.5 km from the Bui Chu Cathedral. The Bui Chu Diocese is one of the Roman Catholic dioceses in Vietnam, known for its long-established parishes and significant historical events related to the growth of Catholicism in the country. Despite being the smallest diocese in Vietnam, Bui Chu has a high population density and a large number of followers.

The history of Trung Linh Parish Church dates back to the early days of Catholicism in Vietnam. The faith and religious life of the local people have been steadily growing, and it has become one of the largest and most bustling parishes in the Bui Chu Diocese.

Within the church grounds, there is a chapel dedicated to Eucharistic Adoration, encouraging the faithful to live with steadfast faith and zeal for both God and fellow humans. Additionally, the church is home to the Motherhouse of the Bui Chu Rosary Congregation, founded by Bishop Dominic Ho Ngoc Canh in 1946. This was the first religious order in Bui Chu established according to canon law.

Thanh Danh Parish Church is located in Xuan Trung, Xuan Truong. The church is adorned with beautiful and lifelike bas-relief paintings depicting scenes from the Bible. From a distance, the church stands out with its grand and intricate architectural design.

Thanh Danh Church is an excellent example of Renaissance architecture, a style that emerged during Vietnam's interactions with the West in the late 16th century. For those interested in Western architecture, this is certainly an ideal place to explore this fascinating style. Today, the church is situated in Xuan Tien, Xuan Truong District.

Originally, Thanh Danh was part of the Kinh Danh mission, which was the largest congregation in the entire Kiên Lao Parish. However, due to the growing size of the community and the desire for long-term development, the mission was elevated by the Bishop of the diocese into a full parish called the Thanh Danh Congregation, allowing for more efficient and easier religious ceremonies.

After many years of development, the old church building had deteriorated significantly and was too small to meet the needs of the growing congregation. With a deep love for God and the Virgin Mary, and the strong spirit of unity among families in the parish as well as donors from both within and outside the parish, the Thanh Danh community began construction on a new church in 2004. With God's grace and the Virgin Mary's blessing, after nearly five years of continuous work, a magnificent new church was completed. This church has become a proud symbol for the members of the Thanh Danh Congregation.

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, commonly known as Nam Dinh Cathedral, is not the diocesan cathedral nor a basilica, yet it holds significant importance for the local Catholic community. This church belongs to the Nam Dinh Parish, under the Archdiocese of Hanoi, and serves as the main center of Catholic worship in the city, alongside Khoai Dong Church, which belongs to the Bui Chu Diocese.

The first church was built around 1895 by French and Italian priests in the Gothic style. In 1968, the church was severely damaged by bombs, and it was later repaired in 1973. The church underwent further renovations to accommodate the growing population around the Đò Quan area (now the intersection of Đò Quan Bridge and Trần Hưng Đạo Street in Nam Dinh City), and was reconstructed in the Gothic style. The church grounds feature a collection of statues, a Bethlehem grotto, and a black bronze statue of the Virgin Mary, with the bell tower facing west.

Before the city center moved to the February 3rd Square, this area played a vital role as the heart of the city, surrounded by bustling commercial activities along the Chinese street. Along with the Rồng Market, Vọng Cung Pagoda, and the Voi Phục Temple, the cathedral formed part of the Old Quarter of Nam Dinh City.

Situated on the Đò Quan wharf, the main facade of the cathedral faces Trần Hưng Đạo Street, the central street of Nam Dinh. In front of the church is a spacious square with flower beds, a metal statue of the Virgin Mary, a ritual space, and a procession route. While not extremely large, the cathedral exudes an air of grandeur and strength. It has long been regarded as the center of Catholicism in Nam Dinh City, hosting numerous important religious celebrations. A visit to this historic cathedral is a must when you come to Nam Dinh.

Khoai Dong Church (also known as Khói Đồng) is located at 127 Le Hong Phong Street, Nam Dinh Province. This church, along with the Cathedral of Da Lat, is one of the only two churches in Vietnam dedicated to Saint Nicholas – the figure traditionally believed in Christianity to be the inspiration for Santa Claus. Khoai Dong Church spans an area of 5,800 square meters and was first constructed in 1934, alongside the Saint Alberto Seminary (now the Nguyen Van Cu Continuing Education School) and Saint Thomas Pedagogical School (now Nguyen Khuyen High School).

The church was built in the classic Gothic architectural style and is considered one of the most unique architectural sites in Vietnam, featuring a vaulted ceiling supported by curving cement beams that provide structural stability. On the walls, intricately sculpted columns depict various saints such as Saint Patrick, Saint Peter, and Saint Joseph.

Over the course of history, Khoai Dong Church has weathered many challenges and changes. Despite these struggles, its weathered, moss-covered main dome and towering bell tower still stand proudly at the center of Nam Dinh City. Today, the church has reopened and serves as a place of worship for thousands of parishioners, and is a must-see destination for visitors to Nam Dinh.

In 1959, the Vietnam Fatherland Front of Nam Dinh assigned Father Dominic Lam Quang Hoc from the Lac Parish in Nghia Hung to manage Khoai Dong Parish until his death in 1963. During this period, the Bui Chu Archdiocese sent Father Dinh Luu Nhan from Nam Dinh Cathedral to assist with the pastoral duties. Due to the circumstances of the war, however, Khoai Dong Church no longer had a resident priest, and the parishioners were forced to evacuate. Many of the church's belongings, such as furniture and liturgical items, were lost. The church bell, however, was safely kept at the parish house in Tu Trung, Hai Tan, Hai Hau District, Nam Dinh City.

The Collapsed Church of Nam Dinh is located in Xương Điền, Văn Lí Commune, Hải Hậu District, Nam Dinh Province. Once home to several smaller churches, the site was gradually overtaken by the sea, causing destruction to the original structures. As a result, the church had to relocate inland to avoid further encroachment by the ocean.

This church, named 'The Heart,' has been abandoned since 1996. Its haunting beauty has made it one of the most visited and well-known churches in Nam Dinh. The allure of The Collapsed Church lies in its natural deterioration, combined with the sunlight, the cool breeze, and the sea’s beauty. This unique blend has drawn tourists to its site, where they can experience a serene and atmospheric connection with the environment.

Another distinctive feature of this location is the opportunity for an immersive experience. While there are no formal accommodations, visitors can stay with local fishermen. The people of Hải Hậu and Nam Dinh are known for their kindness and hospitality, so you need not worry about lodging. Early risers can experience the rural lifestyle of hardworking locals, seeing a peaceful and simple life unfold as they greet the day. It’s an experience of raw beauty, simplicity, and tranquility, making this place incredibly special and unlike any other.

Additionally, visitors can indulge in fresh seafood, including crabs, fish, squid, and prawns (from various species like shrimp, prawn, and tôm rảo). The seafood is harvested fresh each day by the locals, who typically sell it in the morning and go fishing again in the evening, ensuring the food is always fresh and of the highest quality. You won’t need to worry about the freshness of the meals at The Collapsed Church.

Moreover, the area is home to a wide variety of fish species, such as anchovies, which are often used to make fish sauce. Visitors can purchase fresh seafood directly from the beach, have the locals prepare it, and enjoy a meal on the sand. In the evening, the fresh, cool sea breeze creates an ideal atmosphere to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Xương Điền Church is located in Hải Lí Commune, Hải Hậu District, Nam Định Province. Previously, it was known as Cồn Xôm or Cồn Cỏ due to its position on a strip of land between the Trà Lũ and Ninh rivers, later changing its name to Xương Điền Church.

In 1627, while spreading the Gospel in Northern Vietnam, the missionaries traveled along the coastline. Xương Điền was one of the early adopters of Christianity, receiving the Gospel from Father Đắc Lộ during his journey from Ba Làng to Thăng Long. According to historical records from Father Đa Minh Khanh, the first church in Xương Điền was established in 1696 during the time of Bishop Cao.

In 1797, Bishop Thánh Y officially recognized Xương Điền as a parish, assigning Father Hân to oversee the church. Due to coastal erosion, the original church was lost, and the current church was constructed in 1960.

In 2005, a significant event took place for Xương Điền Parish. After 49 years without a resident priest, Bishop Giuse Hoàng Văn Tiệm appointed Father Giuse Vũ Phú Thịnh as the parish priest. Later, in 2009, due to pastoral needs, Bishop Tiệm reassigned Father Giuse to become the parish priest of Trung Linh, and appointed Fathers Đa Minh Nguyễn Văn Thiện and Giuse Đinh Quang Thành as the new parish priest and assistant priest of Xương Điền Parish. In 2012, Father Đa Minh Nguyễn Văn Đại took over as the parish priest of Xương Điền, with a special responsibility for the Tân An mission, replacing Father Giuse Đinh Quang Thành, who moved to Ninh Mỹ Parish.

Currently, Xương Điền Parish serves about 4,100 parishioners, with three satellite communities: Phêrô, Thánh Tâm, and Phaolô.

Across Vietnam’s S-shaped land, many stunning religious sites have become popular spots for young travelers to check in. In Nam Định, there is a parish with striking European architectural influence, often referred to by visitors as the 'castle of ice.' This beautiful church, known as Hưng Nghĩa Church, is centuries old and stands as one of the area’s most iconic landmarks.

Located in Hải Hưng Commune, Hải Hậu District, Nam Định Province, Hưng Nghĩa Church is nothing short of a marvel. The moment you lay eyes on it, you’ll feel as though you're standing before a grand, majestic castle, adorned with intricate details and a design that leaves a lasting impression.

Constructed in 1927, the church fell into disrepair over the years due to the harsh weather conditions, particularly storms. However, restoration efforts began in 2000, and the church was officially reopened in 2007. Visitors can’t help but be amazed by the church's grandeur, which truly resembles a fairytale castle, much like the ones depicted in Western films. From the outside, the church exudes an air of elegance and luxury, while its mysterious and slightly aloof presence adds to its charm.

Bùi Chu Cathedral was built in 1885 under the direction of Bishop Wenceslao Onate Thuận. The cathedral is an impressive structure, measuring 78 meters in length, 22 meters in width, and 15 meters in height, with a 35-meter-tall bell tower. Over a century later, this remarkable building still stands strong, with its solid ironwood columns and intricate Western-style architectural details. The cathedral’s sanctuary houses the final resting place of seven bishops who have overseen the Bùi Chu Diocese, including Bishop Wenceslao Oñate Thuận, Bishop Pedro Muñagorri Trung, Bishop Đa Minh Hồ Ngọc Cẩn, Bishop Giuse Phạm Năng Tĩnh, Bishop Đa Minh Lê Hữu Cung, Bishop Giuse Vũ Duy Nhất, and Bishop Giuse Hoàng Văn Tiệm.

The cathedral is distinguished by its warm terracotta color, with rows of glossy black ironwood columns resting on meticulously carved stone bases. Above, a Baroque-style vaulted ceiling arches gracefully, evoking the splendor of this European architectural style while subtly referencing the traditional Eastern gateway design.

At the front of the cathedral stands the entrance to the Bùi Chu Bishop’s Palace, which houses a historic clock tower. The clock, a fine French-made piece from 1922, operates using three metal weights, each weighing around 50 kg. These weights power the clock’s gears, which not only mark the hours but also play a melody every 15 minutes. The clock’s bell, with a diameter of 1 meter, is exquisitely crafted and its resonant sound can be heard from distances of 2 to 4 kilometers. This antique timepiece continues to work perfectly and remains one of the most famous old clocks in Vietnam.

Bùi Chu Cathedral is part of the Bùi Chu Bishop’s Palace complex. Every year, many visitors from across the country come to admire the church’s stunning architecture and to learn more about the history of the Bùi Chu parish.

Phú Nhai Church is located in the heart of Xuân Phương commune, Xuân Trường district, Nam Định province. It is a Roman Catholic church under the Bùi Chu Diocese, renowned not only for its architectural beauty but also for being one of the largest and most spacious churches in Vietnam.

As you explore Phú Nhai Church, you will be awe-struck by its stunning Gothic architecture and intricate decorations. The church features relief sculptures on the doors and sides, along with Chinese characters engraved into the walls, adding a unique touch to the building. Originally built in the Spanish Gothic style, the church was later reconstructed in the French Gothic style. The church measures 80 meters in length, 27 meters in width, and 30 meters in height, with two bell towers reaching 44 meters tall. Four bells, weighing 2,000 kg, 1,200 kg, 600 kg, and 100 kg, were imported from France to grace the church.

On the front facade, to the right, stands a 17-meter-high statue of St. Dominic, with the statue itself reaching 2.3 meters in height. On the left is a mausoleum that houses the remains of 83 martyrs from the Phú Nhai parish, standing 15 meters tall. Surrounding the church are bas-reliefs depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross.

From the top of the towering bell tower, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Xuân Trường district. In 2008, Phú Nhai Church was elevated to the status of a Minor Basilica. This church is not only a significant place of worship and a popular tourist attraction but also an architectural marvel studied by architects and cultural researchers alike. For the people of Xuân Phương, Phú Nhai Church is a source of pride, and it is a sacred place they turn to every time the bells ring.

Kien Lao Parish was established in the 16th century, during the early spread of Christianity in Vietnam. Following the 1673 Phố Hiến Council, the Diocese of Đàng Ngoài was divided into five main parishes, with Kien Lao being one of the first five, comprising about 5,283 faithful. In 1670, Bishop Lambert de la Motte chose Kien Lao as the center for missionary work. It was here that he founded the first congregation of the Daughters of Charity, and that year, he ordained Father Simon Kien (from Kien Lao), one of the first native Vietnamese priests. Throughout Vietnam's challenging church history, Kien Lao also served as a refuge for many missionaries in hiding.

In 1997, Kien Lao Church was consecrated by Bishop Giuse Maria Vũ Duy Nhất and officially raised to the status of a Sanctuary dedicated to the Holy Family. Prior to this, the parish had adopted Our Lady of the Rosary as its patron saint. Today, Kien Lao Parish has approximately 9,215 members, making it the largest and most populous parish in the Bùi Chu Diocese, with 12 sub-parishes.

In early July 2015, Bishop Tôma officially elevated the Holy Name parish to a separate parish with 2,700 faithful. Its patron saint is the Infant Jesus. Father Phaolô Đinh Quang Tiến has been overseeing the parish since 2014.

Kien Lao Sanctuary is located in Xuân Tiến commune, Xuân Trường district, Nam Định, about 95 kilometers from the capital. The church is large, with a thriving and affluent congregation, making it one of the wealthiest in the diocese. The church is beautifully set against a backdrop of a crystal-clear pond, lined with streetlights, and its architecture boasts a distinct Western influence. Kien Lao is a historically significant parish with a deep-rooted tradition of faith and unity. The community has built this magnificent church with their own hands, reflecting their devotion and commitment.

In 1997, the church was completed, and Bishop Giuse Maria Vũ Duy Nhất officiated the consecration and anointing, elevating the church to a Sanctuary in honor of the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.