Top 10 Oldest Churches in Vietnam

Phat Diem Stone Church is located in Phat Diem town, Kim Son district, Ninh Binh, about 120km south of Hanoi. This is considered a vast Catholic complex covering about 22 hectares. It is a significant structure, serving as the cathedral of the Phat Diem Diocese. The church is entirely made of stone and wood, designed in the traditional Vietnamese temple style. Phat Diem Stone Church is regarded as one of the most beautiful churches in Vietnam, with construction beginning in 1875 and completed in 1898. Christmas celebrations here are spectacular, with the cold winter night illuminated by vibrant lights. The church’s grottoes and interior are decorated with dazzling colors, creating a unique atmosphere.

Phat Diem Church (Kim Son, Ninh Binh) is the only church in Vietnam to be recognized as a national monument and is one of the 'four great basilicas' in the country. While resembling many 19th-century churches found in small towns and rural areas of France, Vietnamese churches like Phat Diem are generally more graceful and vibrant. These structures often blend traditional Vietnamese techniques and decorations, evoking the appearance of a temple or pagoda.

Phat Diem Church features a large main church and five smaller ones (including a church built primarily with natural stone, known as the Stone Church), a bell tower, ponds, and three artificial caves. What makes Phat Diem truly unique is its blend of Catholic architecture with traditional Vietnamese elements, such as the distinctive curved roofs resembling boat bows.

Constructed between 1863 and 1880 by French colonists, the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon is one of the most iconic churches in Vietnam. Modeled after the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris and built using materials shipped directly from France, this cathedral serves as the religious center for 6.2 million Catholics in Vietnam.

The Notre-Dame Cathedral - Saigon's Basilica has gone by various names over the years. It was first built in 1863 under the name 'Saigon Church' after the French colonization of the area. The original wooden structure was severely damaged by termites, prompting a rebuild.

A design competition was held, and French architect Jules Bourard, an expert in religious architecture, won. His plan was similar to the French original, creating a smaller version of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, with influences of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. Bishop Isidore Colombert laid the cornerstone in October 1877, and the cathedral was completed in April 1880. Most of the construction materials, including bricks from Toulouse, were imported from France, giving the cathedral its characteristic red color, still visible today.

In 1959, a statue of the Virgin Mary, Peaceful Mother, was installed outside the cathedral, carved from granite from Rome. After the statue’s installation, the church became widely known as Notre-Dame Cathedral. In 1960, it officially became the Saigon Cathedral and two years later was consecrated by Pope John XXIII, gaining the title of a Basilica and adopting its current name, Notre-Dame Basilica of Saigon.

The cathedral gained international attention again in October 2005 when witnesses reported that the statue of the Virgin Mary, located outside the church, had a tear flowing down her right cheek, which caused a commotion and attracted thousands of visitors. The surrounding traffic was halted, and the police were called to maintain order. The stain remained for over a week, and hundreds of people came daily to witness the phenomenon. However, the Catholic Church in Vietnam has not officially confirmed whether the statue actually wept or not.

Mang Lang Church is located about 35km north of Tuy Hoa city, Phu Yen, and is one of the oldest churches in Phu Yen and Vietnam as a whole. The most striking feature of the church is its unique Gothic architecture, which dates back over 1,200 years. The church's design will feel familiar to many, as its exterior closely resembles the European-style churches seen in magazines or on TV. This architectural style is so renowned that many Gothic structures worldwide have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Mang Lang Church is considered the oldest church in Phu Yen Province, located in An Ninh Tay Commune, Tuy An District. Built in 1892, the church stands on a 5,000m² plot, showcasing intricate Gothic designs and decorative details. Though small in size, the church is set in a spacious and serene environment, surrounded by lush greenery.

With a history spanning over 120 years, Mang Lang Church has become a popular stop for travelers visiting Phu Yen. A special attraction for visitors is the Mang Lang Orphanage, which cares for abandoned children. The orphanage currently houses 14 children, aged one or two, who are lovingly cared for by the staff. Seeing their innocent eyes as they look around from their shared cribs is sure to stir emotions in any visitor.

Perched on a small hill near the Six-Way Intersection in downtown Nha Trang, Nha Trang Cathedral is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists. Officially named the Cathedral of Christ the King, it is often referred to by locals with more familiar names such as the Stone Church or Mountain Church. Construction of the cathedral began on September 3, 1928, in an area that was once barren land. When the French arrived in Nha Trang, they divided Mount Hon Mot, and the western half was leveled using 500 explosives to create the 4,500m² site for the church. The construction was completed in December 1941, and this is how the church earned the nickname 'Mountain Church.'

From a distance, many people mistakenly think that this grand structure is made of hewn stone, but in reality, the stone was only used for the pavement and the churchyard. The entire building is constructed using cement blocks known as 'taplo,' which were molded by Father Louis Vallet and his team. Notably, only the flat roofs of the two side corridors are made from reinforced concrete, while the entire dome structure of the chapel is constructed using bamboo and wire mesh.

The architecture of Nha Trang Cathedral is heavily influenced by the Gothic style, with three distinct sections: the lower part features the entrance, the middle section boasts large, circular stained-glass windows decorated with rose motifs, and the upper part includes the nave and two bell towers. One of the church's most unique features is the set of bronze bells hung in the towers.

The history of Chợ Quán Parish is deeply tied to the territorial expansion of the Nguyễn Dynasty to the south. In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, many Catholic migrants, particularly from central Vietnam, who were seeking new opportunities or fleeing wars, conflicts, and famine, settled in this area. They established a village named Xóm Bột, where they opened a market to serve the local community. This market came to be known as Chợ Quán, and over time, the name was extended to refer to the surrounding neighborhood.

Chợ Quán Parish was officially founded in 1722. At that time, several priests came to lead the faithful, including Franciscan missionaries and Vietnamese evangelists. By 1725, the parish had around 300 parishioners. These missionaries faced numerous challenges in spreading the Gospel due to societal tensions and the anti-Christian policies of the local government.

The first chapel of Chợ Quán Parish was built in 1674, but it wasn't until 1723, when Jesuit Father Emmanuel Quitaon arrived, that it was expanded into a full church for the growing congregation. Due to natural disasters and human destruction, the church was rebuilt multiple times, in 1727, 1733, 1793, 1862, and 1882.

In 1882, Father Nicola Hamm began the construction of a new church, a project that spanned 14 years, involving six different priests. The church was completed in 1896 and was officially consecrated on the 4th of January in the lunar year of Bính Thân. This is the current church structure that we can still see today. In honor of Father Nicola Hamm's contributions to the construction of the church, he was buried beside the altar of the church after his passing.

Covering an area of 16,922m², Chợ Quán Parish includes not only the church itself but also several other facilities, such as a public elementary school, a charity house, and lush gardens. Today, the church hosts a charity clinic managed by the Red Cross of District 5. It also serves as a community center for locals, providing space for activities like morning exercise, jogging, or simply enjoying the fresh air in the park in front of the church. The church complex includes a central hall, a bell tower, 12 classrooms for religious education, meeting rooms, a mausoleum, and a library. All these spaces are thoughtfully arranged to create a harmonious, peaceful atmosphere for both parishioners and visitors.

Hàm Long Church is a prominent Roman Catholic church located in Hanoi, Vietnam. It is one of the largest churches in the city, situated at 21 Hàm Long Street, Phan Chu Trinh Ward, Hoan Kiem District. The church was designed by a Vietnamese architect, Dr. Thân, originally from Hà Hồi, Thường Tín, Ha Tây (now part of Hanoi), who studied architecture in France. Construction began in December 1934, and the church was completed on May 7, 1939, standing at 17 meters tall.

Notably, the church incorporates traditional local building materials such as straw, lime mortar, bamboo, and rice paper to construct the vaulted arches, which produce a natural acoustic effect during services without the need for modern sound systems. The columns and altars are adorned with rope motifs, reflecting the style of the Franciscan Order.

On the main door of the church, there is a bas-relief beneath the bell tower. It depicts a cross with the arms of Jesus and Saint Francis of Assisi. The bare arm represents Christ, while the arm with clothing symbolizes Saint Francis. This image is a universal symbol of the Franciscan Order. The church’s entrance doors are painted brown, the color associated with the Franciscan friars, and the columns feature rope motifs, referencing the habits of the first and second-order friars.

Inside the church, the altar is graced by three saints: Saint Anthony of Padua in the center, flanked by Saint Clare and Saint Francis of Assisi. All three saints were part of the first and second Franciscan orders. The church is dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua as its patron saint.

An Thái Church, also known as Kẻ Bưởi Church (located at 460 Thụy Khuê, Tây Hồ), was constructed in the late 19th to early 20th century on the land of An Thái village, in the southern part of Hồ Tây (West Lake). Despite facing numerous historical challenges, the church has stood firm through time, serving as a symbol of the deep faith of the An Thái community in God.

The church was built in the Renaissance architectural style, featuring intricate decorative details. Although modest in size, the church exudes a sense of strength and grandeur. The front of the church bears the Latin inscription “Mater Dolorosa ora pro nobis,” meaning “Mother of Sorrows, pray for us.”

Today, An Thái Church is one of the few historical churches in Hanoi that has preserved its original architectural design.

Sa Pa Stone Church was built by the French with the aim of spreading Christianity to the mountainous regions of northern Vietnam, and it is now nearly 127 years old. Located in the heart of Sapa town, the Sa Pa Stone Church (also known as Our Lady of the Rosary Church) was constructed in 1895 and is regarded as one of the best-preserved examples of French colonial architecture still standing. The church has been restored and preserved, becoming an iconic landmark that is synonymous with the misty town of Sa Pa.

Covering more than 6,000 square meters, the church complex includes the church itself, a clergy residence, monk's quarters, a dormitory, a livestock house, an angel house, a front yard, a fence, and the Sacred Garden. The residence building runs parallel to the church, with five sections, while the church spans seven sections, covering over 500 square meters. The bell tower rises 20 meters high, housing a 1.5-meter-tall bell cast in 1932, weighing 500 kilograms, and capable of ringing across a 1 km radius. Notably, the bell still bears the names of donors who contributed to its casting, and its wooden bell frame made from pomu wood remains intact after the restoration.

Sa Pa's Our Lady of the Rosary Church, located in the town center, remains a popular stop for visitors to Sapa. Despite undergoing several restorations due to war damage and the harsh forces of nature, the church has preserved its charm and spiritual essence, standing as a testament to its architectural and cultural significance.

Hanoi Cathedral is a stunning example of European Gothic architecture from the Medieval period. Built in 1887, it has become an iconic landmark and a deeply sacred place for Catholics.

Formally known as St. Joseph's Cathedral, it serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Hanoi, making it the central church of the Hanoi Archdiocese. It holds the distinction of being the oldest cathedral in the city, and remains a central hub for spiritual activities and religious observances in Hanoi.

The church spans 65 meters in length and 21 meters in width, with two towering bell towers reaching nearly 32 meters, supported by massive stone pillars. The unique stone cross at the entrance immediately captures the attention of visitors. The floor is made entirely of terracotta tiles, and the surrounding walls are plastered with paper mache, creating an atmosphere of reverence and antique beauty. With over a century of history, the cathedral's walls are covered with moss, adding to the mysterious and ancient charm of the site.

Phu Nhai Church is located in the center of Xuan Phuong commune, Xuan Truong district, Nam Dinh province. It is a Roman Catholic church belonging to the Bui Chu Diocese. Built in 1866 with wooden structures by the parish priest, the church remains a significant place of worship for locals and attracts visitors from various regions. Phu Nhai Church is not only famous for its beauty but also recognized as one of the largest churches in Vietnam.

Upon visiting Phu Nhai Church, you’ll be awed by its Gothic architecture and the intricate decorations adorning the church. The church features relief sculptures on its doors and sides, as well as Chinese characters that add a unique touch. Originally built in Spanish Gothic style, the church was later reconstructed in French Gothic style. The church spans 80 meters in length, 27 meters in width, and stands 30 meters tall. Its two bell towers rise 44 meters high and house four bells cast in France, weighing 2,000 kg, 1,200 kg, 600 kg, and 100 kg.

On the church's facade, to the right, there is a 17-meter statue of St. Dominic, with the statue itself standing 2.3 meters tall. On the left side, a 15-meter mausoleum holds the remains of 83 martyrs from the Phu Nhai parish. Surrounding the church are reliefs depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross.

Visitors who ascend to the top of Phu Nhai Church’s tower are treated to a panoramic view of Xuan Truong district. In 2008, Phu Nhai Shrine was elevated to the status of a Minor Basilica. Today, Phu Nhai Church is not only a place of worship and a popular tourist attraction but also a subject of study for architects and cultural researchers. For the people of Xuan Phuong, Phu Nhai Church is a source of pride, a sacred place where they gather, especially when the church bells ring.