Buzz
The dreamy land of Da Lat has never ceased to captivate with its flower gardens, picturesque pine forests, expansive hills overlooking the twinkling city lights at night, and charming cafes with beautiful decor and mountain views. These experiences have become familiar to travel enthusiasts and those who adore the misty city every time they visit Da Lat. In addition, another fascinating aspect of Da Lat is its churches and ancient cathedrals. Let me take you to one such cathedral, the Domain de Marie Cathedral, nestled in the heart of the city.
Cathedral grounds
The Domain de Marie Cathedral is situated on a hill in Lam Son area at 1 Ngô Quyền Street, Ward 6, Da Lat city. It is one of the oldest and most historic cathedrals in Da Lat, alongside the Con Ga Cathedral. The name 'Domaine de Marie' translates to the Land of Our Lady. Additionally, the cathedral is also known as the Mai Anh Parish, as in the past, it was adorned with numerous apricot and cherry blossom trees or the Vinh Son Church (as it was the chapel of the Vinh Son Sisters of Mercy).
Upon entering the gates, the churchyard is adorned with numerous pine trees and distinctive flowers of Da Lat. The Domain de Marie Cathedral was constructed from 1940 to 1944, with Madame Nee Suzanne Humbert, the wife of the Governor-General of French Indochina, Jean Decoux, leading the efforts to mobilize parishioners for contributions. The cathedral, also known as the Sanctuary of Our Lady, attracts both worshippers and visitors alike.
Panoramic view of the main sanctuary of the cathedral
The cathedral is built entirely in the 17th-century European architectural style, featuring the main nave with a length of 33 meters and a width of 11 meters on a 12-hectare plot of land. An exceptional aspect of its construction is the complete absence of cement, utilizing natural materials such as lime, honey, and stone blocks laid horizontally up to the window sills for binding. The walls are constructed with split stone.
The entire cathedral is painted in a prominent pink color
Regarding the architectural layout, this church exhibits innovative elements compared to many others. While still constructed in the form of a cross, the proportions are more balanced. On either side of the nave, two staircases lead to the main entrance and converge at the central point. The triangular-shaped nave is crowned with a crucifix. Now, let's delve into the church roof – a visually striking red-tiled structure. The roofing system mimics the steep pitch of traditional houses in the Central Highlands ethnic communities, requiring robust interior columns to support the expansive roof, creating a breathtaking space inside.
The roof features projecting windows that extend from the large roof, adding a touch of antiquity to the structure. Below the roof, imported stained glass panels from France illuminate the interior, enhancing the grandeur of the sanctuary when bathed in sunlight. The walls are crafted with split stone in the Normandy architectural style.
Other houses within the church grounds
Upon entering the nave, you'll be mesmerized by the ancient architecture inside. The main highlight is the central hall often used for Catholic ceremonies following the church calendar.
The hall extends with rows of seats from end to end, designated for the local residents and churchgoers attending worship services. At the rear of the hall, a raised platform serves as a pulpit where priests and the parish priest stand to conduct ceremonies. Above the ceiling, support beams uphold the church's tiled roof. Stained glass windows run along the hall to capture natural light, while near the apex of the roof, a distinctive round rose window, characteristic of French architecture, adds a charming touch.
The worship area inside the church
Round stained glass window on the roof
Ancient ceiling architecture inside the church
Initially, the church was constructed without a bell tower, but later, a bell tower was added just behind the main hall with a small bell. Inside the church, there is also a statue of Our Lady standing on the globe, inspired by the image of Vietnamese women. The statue, designed by French architect Jonchère in 1943, stands 3 meters tall and weighs 1 ton, a gift from the Governor-General's wife, Decoux.
In terms of color, from its construction until now, the church has maintained a single hue, a vibrant pink lime wash covering its surfaces. This choice creates a radiant glow when illuminated by sunlight. Behind the main hall of the church are two prayer houses built later to serve as the activities area for the Vinh Son Sisters of Mercy. It became a place for nurturing orphans, teaching skills, and providing medical care for the local community. Behind the church and prayer houses lies the tomb of the Governor-General's wife, who tragically passed away in an accident while traveling from Saigon to Da Lat in 1944. After her demise, she was laid to rest in the spacious courtyard adorned with various flowers.
Varieties of flowers in the church grounds
Prayer houses within the church
Domaine de Marie Cathedral, or Mai Anh Cathedral, is not just a place for religious ceremonies but also a familiar spiritual haven for the people of Da Lat, adorned with its unique and ancient architecture. When visiting, due to its sacred nature, one should dress modestly and maintain a serene atmosphere. If attending a service, it's recommended to go during the hours of 7:15 AM on weekdays and 6:00 AM on weekends. The cathedral offers picturesque corners for photography, so if you happen to pass by, capture a few moments in this enchanting place.
Mytour Golocal is a blog program introducing beautiful destinations across Vietnam under the Mytour Go & Share initiative. This is a fantastic opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualifying article, you will receive 800,000 VND and a chance to become a contributor with Mytour. For detailed information about the program, visit: https://trv.lk/golocal
