Hanoi Cathedral (St. Joseph's Cathedral) description and photos - Vietnam: Hanoi (Topic)

St. Joseph's Cathedral description and photos - Vietnam: Hanoi. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is St. Joseph's Cathedral.

Photo and description

Hanoi Cathedral is the oldest church in the city. It was built on the initiative of the French missionary Paul-Francois Puginier. This vicar, appointed by the Holy See, with the permission of the French colonial administration, began the construction of the temple in 1886. The place was chosen near the confluence of two rivers, where in the 11th century there was a Buddhist shrine, Bao Thien Pagoda, destroyed by time.

The building was built of stone and brick faced with granite. In imitation of the Saigon cathedral, the neo-Gothic architecture was chosen - with two square high bell towers and arched windows. Therefore, the cathedral resembles the legendary Parisian Notre Dame. The interior is decorated in the tradition of medieval European churches. The vaults of the nave and walls are decorated with wood carvings with gilding. The stained-glass windows on the arrow-shaped window arches were brought from France. Each of the two towers was equipped with five bells. A tribute to local customs - the statue of the Virgin Mary is installed on the left side of the nave.

Built in two years, the temple was open for the Christmas holidays. It was consecrated as the Cathedral of St. Joseph. For a long time it was the main Catholic church in Hanoi. After the liberation of Vietnam, persecution began against the Catholic Church, and the cathedral was closed. It was reopened in 1990 - also for the Christmas Mass.

Today the cathedral is active. Outwardly, it already differs from that built at the end of the 19th century - the stones darkened from time and industrial air pollution. But the interior is still beautiful. It is made in national motives, where red and yellow colors dominate.

A huge number of believers gather for Mass, who do not fit into the temple, especially on Christmas. On weekdays, you can safely examine this architectural monument.

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Topic: Hanoi Cathedral (St. Joseph's Cathedral) description and photos - Vietnam: Hanoi.