Description of the attraction
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 XI century there was a Buddhist shrine, the 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 style 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 gilded wood carvings. 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 - a 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 the one built at the end of the 19th century - the stones have darkened from time and industrial air pollution. But the interior decoration is still beautiful. It is made in national motives, dominated by red and yellow colors.
Mass is attended by a huge number of believers who do not fit into the temple, especially at Christmas. On weekdays, you can safely examine this architectural monument.
