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Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Travel Tips

Photography Tips

Visit during the early hours to capture the best photos. 1

Visit during the day to capture its beauty in natural light. 2

Exploration Tips

A short walk from the History Museum, perfect for a day of exploring Ho Chi Minh City's historical sites. 3

Maintenance and Service Tips

Check for renovation schedules as the cathedral undergoes frequent maintenance. 4

Check for mass times if you wish to attend a service. The best photo opportunities are in the morning light. 5

Attend a mass and admire the beautiful stained-glass windows. 6

Check the cathedral's schedule if you're interested in attending a mass. 7

Crowd Avoidance Tips

Visit early to avoid crowds and experience the serene atmosphere. 8

Visit during non-service times to fully appreciate the architecture. 9

Architecture and Surroundings Tips

Admire its iconic red-brick facade and intricate stained glass windows. 10

Featured in postcards and travel brochures as one of the most iconic landmarks. 11

Though the interior is closed after 5:30 pm, the surrounding area offers a lively atmosphere. 12

Introduction

History

  • ๐Ÿ“… Construction: Began in 1863 and completed in 1880 by French colonists.
  • ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Initial Structure: Originally a wooden church built on the bank of the Charner canal, later replaced due to termite damage.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Major Additions: Two bell towers added in 1895, each 57.6 meters high.
  • ๐Ÿ—ฟ Statues: Initially featured a bronze statue of Bishop Pigneau de Behaine, replaced in 1959 by a granite statue of Our Lady of Peace.
  • ๐Ÿ“œ Basilica Status: Declared a basilica by Pope John XXIII in 1962.

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Architecture

  • ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Style: Neo-Romanesque and Gothic design.
  • ๐Ÿงฑ Materials: All building materials were imported from France, including bricks from Toulouse and stained glass from Chartres.
  • ๐Ÿ”” Bell Towers: Twin towers each 57.6 meters high, topped with 3.5-meter-tall crucifixes.
  • ๐ŸŒธ Exterior: Red-brick facade that has retained its color over the decades.
  • ๐ŸชŸ Windows: 56 stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes and rose images.

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Visiting Information

  • ๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • ๐Ÿ› Mass Times: Weekday Mass at 5:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Sunday Mass at multiple times including 9:30 a.m. in English.
  • ๐Ÿ’ธ Admission: Free entry for all visitors.
  • ๐Ÿš Transportation: Accessible by taxi, motorbike, personal vehicle, and public buses (routes 04, 120, 18, 30, 31, 36, 93).
  • ๐ŸšŒ Sightseeing: Double-decker bus tours available for city sightseeing.

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Religious Significance

  • ๐Ÿ› Major Site: Serves as a major religious site for the Catholic community in Vietnam.
  • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Capacity: Can accommodate up to 1,200 people.
  • ๐Ÿ“œ Basilica Status: Declared a basilica by Pope John XXIII in 1962.
  • ๐Ÿ—ฟ Statues: Features a statue of Our Lady of Peace installed in 1959.
  • ๐Ÿ™ Pilgrimage: Popular pilgrimage site for both local and international Catholic believers.

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Renovations

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Current Renovation: Undergoing extensive renovations from 2017 to 2027.
  • ๐Ÿ”” Bell Towers: First major renovation in 1895 added the bell towers.
  • ๐ŸŒธ Facade: Second renovation in 1903 elevated the front facade and added a flower garden.
  • ๐Ÿ—ฟ Statues: Third renovation in 1959 installed the statue of Our Lady of Peace.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Accessibility: Open for worshippers every Sunday during renovations.

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Nearby Attractions

  • ๐Ÿค Saigon Central Post Office: Located nearby, a popular tourist attraction.
  • ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Independence Palace: Another historical site in close proximity.
  • ๐Ÿ“š Nguyen Van Binh Book Street: A charming street lined with bookshops and cafes.
  • ๐ŸŽญ Ho Chi Minh City Opera House: Offers various performances and cultural events.
  • ๐ŸŽจ War Remnants Museum: Provides insights into the Vietnam War.
  • ๐Ÿฌ Ben Thanh Market: Famous market for shopping and local cuisine.
  • ๐Ÿšถ Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Vibrant pedestrian street with shops and entertainment.
  • ๐ŸŽ‰ Bui Vien Walking Street: Known for its nightlife and bustling atmosphere.

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Travel Information
๐Ÿ“žย ย ย Phone: +84 914 122 229
๐Ÿ“ย ย ย Address: 01 Cรดng xรฃ Paris, Bแบฟn Nghรฉ, Quแบญn 1, Hแป“ Chรญ Minh 70000, Vietnam

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