Buzz
When in the city named after Uncle Ho, travelers must not overlook checking in at Saigon's century-old churches, where they bring forth the beauty of culture as well as architectural art. Let's explore 6 solemn century-old churches amidst the bustling urban area with Mytour!
Top 6 Century-Old Churches in Saigon Always Drawing Visitors for Check-In
Tan Dinh Church
Address: 289 Hai Ba Trung, Ward 8, District 3.
One of the must-visit century-old churches in Saigon is Tan Dinh Church situated at 289 Hai Ba Trung, Ward 8, District 3. Dating back to 1870, Tan Dinh Church is nearly the oldest church in the city. By 1929, the church underwent expansion and the addition of a tower measuring 52.60m, refurbishing the bell tower. Adorned in classical Roman style with unique architecture, dressed in a fresh coat of pink, Tan Dinh Church exudes splendid beauty under the Saigon sun.
Tan Dinh Church is constructed with Italian marble. The main highlight lies at the top of the tower, featuring a 3m-tall bronze crucifix, symbolizing followers of Christianity. On both sides of the auxiliary tower, there are numerous lantern towers adorned with decorative patterns, looking quite charming.
Its interior is decorated in Gothic architecture. Inside the tower, there are 5 bells weighing around 5.5 tons, creating a unique architectural masterpiece with intricate carvings. Visitors here feel like they've wandered into a dreamy, classical Italian city, an intriguing sensation that everyone wants to experience at least once.
Cha Tam Church
Address: 25 Hoc Lac, Ward 14, District 5.
In 1900, Cha Tam Church was constructed and completed two years later. This church was built for the Chinese community. Father Pierre d’Assou, known in Chinese as Dam A To (transliterated as Tam An Su in Chinese), spearheaded the construction and also served as its first pastor.
The architecture of Cha Tam Church is incredibly unique, blending elements of Chinese and European Gothic architecture. With over 100 years of history, the church has become a must-visit destination for tourists whenever they have the opportunity to visit Saigon.
From the outside view, many visitors mistake the church entrance for that of a temple or shrine. This confusion arises due to the gate being designed in a triple gate style, with curved roofs, glazed tiles, and rows of pillars painted in deep Eastern red.
Huyen Sy Church
Address: 1 Ton That Tung, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1.
The church was funded by Mr. Le Phat Dat, who donated 1/7 of his wealth for its construction. Construction began in 1902, and it was inaugurated three years later.
The church follows Gothic architectural style. Atop it stands a 57m bell tower, housing four bells cast in France in 1905.
The church contains the tomb of Mr. Huyen Sy, one of the wealthiest individuals in Saigon and Cochinchina in the 19th century, and the maternal grandfather of Empress Nam Phuong. In 1920, he and his wife were laid to rest behind the sanctuary. Mr. Huyen Sy's tomb is made of marble. Atop the tomb lies a full-body statue of him, resting on two pillows, dressed in embroidered silk ao dai, a folded headscarf, with clasped hands resting on his chest.
Quan Market Church
Address: 120 Tran Binh Trong, Ward 2, District 5.
Quan Market Church, initially built with simple architecture, consisted of a small prayer house and an altar inside. Over a century, the church suffered damage from wars and turmoil, requiring multiple reconstructions. By 1882, on the existing land, parish priest Nicôla Hamm initiated the construction of the new church. However, Hamm only managed to lay the foundation before passing away. Father Errard, who had previously built churches such as Tha La, Tan Trieu, Ben Go, Bai Xan, and Ba Ria, took over this construction project. By early 1889, the church's basic structure was completed, and ceremonies could be held there. However, Errard never got to see his completed work as he fell ill and returned to France, passing away in 1891. Thus, Quan Market Church stands as the final church in the career of this deputy. Father Lucien Mossard continued the project and erected two statues, 1.6m tall, 14 Stations of the Cross, and a Nativity scene. This construction lasted for 14 years, spanning six parish priest lifetimes, until it was completed in 1896. The new church was consecrated on the 4th day of Tet Binh Than (1896), officiated by Bishop Dépierre and still stands today.
Adopting Gothic architecture, with red tiled roofs. This project took 14 years to complete the basic structure and continued to be supplemented later. The main facade of the church is intricately designed in the Gothic architectural style with continuous pointed arches. In front of the main entrance is a spacious courtyard, adorned with numerous trees.
Today, the windows here are not fitted with colorful stained glass but only plain white glass, unlike most large churches in the city. The reason is that the original stained glass was damaged, and no one capable of restoring them has been found yet.
Saigon Saint Joseph Major Seminary
Address: 6 Ton Duc Thang, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.
Saigon Saint Joseph Major Seminary was founded and constructed by French priest Wilbaux in 1863. It is considered the oldest Catholic institution in Saigon and one of the largest Catholic priest training centers in our country.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
Address: 1 Cong xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica was designed and constructed during the period of 1877 – 1880. The notable feature of this structure is that all construction materials were imported from France, including the entire red bricks without plaster, maintaining their original color to this day. The two pointed pinnacles on the bell tower were added in 1984, once the tallest points in the city at that time, serving as a landmark for distant recognition of Saigon by visitors.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica holds the title of basilica. This is a special title conferred by the Vatican, the supreme leadership of the Catholic Church worldwide, reserved for certain churches or holy sites of significant spiritual importance.
According to Mytour
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourNovember 15, 2022
