Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral: French Colonial Architecture and Renovation Status | Vietnam Purple Travel Guide
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Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideAlert: The cathedral is undergoing intensive restoration since 2017 – the grand reopening is tentatively set for 2027. As of the time of writing, the front façade is completely covered and the cathedral is closed for visitors most of the time. At random times, people are allowed in. Our advice is to go there and see if they let people in, and maybe come back on other days at different times. Maybe you get lucky.
Here are some photos that we took:
The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, officially known as the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception, is one of the most iconic and historically significant landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. This stunning red-brick cathedral stands as a reminder of Vietnam’s French colonial past, attracting thousands of visitors every year with its architectural beauty and spiritual atmosphere.
A Legacy of French Colonial Architecture
Construction of the cathedral began in 1877 and was completed in 1880 by the French colonial government. It was built to serve French Catholics living in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) and was consecrated in 1880 by Bishop Isidore Colombert.
What makes the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City especially unique is that all building materials were imported from France, including the red bricks from Marseille, the stained-glass windows from Chartres, and tiles from Toulouse. The result is a structure that not only reflects neo-Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, but also captures the essence of 19th-century European church design.
The cathedral was elevated to basilica status in 1962 by Pope John XXIII, giving it the official title it carries today.
Key Features of the Cathedral
Twin Bell Towers: Rising 190 ft (58 m) high, the cathedral's symmetrical bell towers dominate the city skyline and are capped with iron spires that were once among the tallest structures in colonial Saigon.
Red Brick Façade: The signature red bricks give the cathedral its warm hue and have never been repainted, standing the test of time for more than a century.
Stained Glass Windows: Though many original windows were damaged during the wars, some have been carefully restored or replaced to preserve the cathedral’s traditional look.
Virgin Mary Statue: In front of the cathedral stands a white marble statue of the Virgin Mary, added in 1959. In 2005, it was the subject of media frenzy when bystanders claimed to have seen it shed a tear.
Interior Design: The cathedral’s interior features high vaulted ceilings, Roman arches, and a Latin cross layout that evoke the solemnity and grandeur of a European basilica. The space can seat approximately 1,200 people.
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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel
Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.
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