Phát Diệm Cathedral

Stunning place that really worth the travel. The architecture is a beautiful mix of traditional Vietnamien and European styles. The wooden inside structure is fantastic, feeling being in church, and in a pagoda. Definitely a place to visit

The Phát Diệm Cathedral (Vietnamese: Nhà thờ chính tòa Phát Diệm) is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phát Diệm, located in Kim Sơn District of Ninh Bình Province in Vietnam. The architecture of the church – built in stone and wood in 1891 – is an eclectic blend of Vietnamese and European architectural styles. It was mainly built in traditional Vietnamese architecture, similar to historical palaces and temples. It was bombed in 1972 and later restored. In addition to the cathedral itself, the Phát Diệm complex consists of five chapels, three grottoes, a memorial house, and the recently built pastoral center of the diocese. The cathedral is located in Phát Diệm township of Kim Sơn District in Ninh Bình Province.[1][2] It is about 29 km southeast of Ninh Binh and 121 kilometres (75 mi) from Hanoi.[3][4] Phát Diệm Cathedral was built by the priest Father Trần Lục (Père Six in French, or cụ Sáu in Vietnamese).[5] Père Six's tomb is in the frontyard of the cathedral.[1] The wooden statues in the cathedral were all carved by Pho Gia, a Vietnamese artisan.[6] The novelist Graham Greene described the cathedral as "more Buddhist than Christian"[7] in his novel the Quiet American.[8] After the 1954 Geneva Conference, many of its parishioners and clergy moved to safer places in South Vietnam. The cathedral is still functioning as a place of worship, and there are many more churches in the district.[3] On 15 August 1972, the cathedral was bombed, resulting in the collapse of its entire west wall, the convents and two of the schools. But now, after restoration, there are not even tell-tale marks of this destruction.[4] The overall size of the cathedral is 210 feet (64 m) in length, with a width of 60 feet (18 m).[10] The nave of the cathedral is built over 52 pillars, of which 16 are 11-metre tall (36 ft), carved from large ironwood trees. In the front worship area, the altar is made of a single slab, ornamented in "orthodox-style" and is made of "lacquered and gilded woodwork". Above the altar, there are portrait paintings of about 30 missionaries, most of European origin. The vaulted ceiling has paintings of angels in Vietnamese style.[1][4] The interior walls are decorated with Catholic iconography, but particularly have paintings of Eastern religious symbols like dragons, unicorns, tortoises and phoenixes.[9]

Intriguing looking Church - a blend of Vietnamese and French architecture. There are several chapels and grottos around the main Church as well. Have not seen a Church like this before - would recommend popping by from Ninh Binh if you have time to spare / if you have your own transportation.

I was expecting another church, but it was interesting and not like other churches I've seen in Vietnam or elsewhere. Designed by Vietnamese. Inside is all teak wood, and some of the wooden pillars are massive!! The carvings were detailed. Nice bluestone gatehouse at the front. There was a church service starting when we arrived, so could only have a brief look inside.

This church is very historical. Very unique build in ancient way. Doubt modern technology can build in similar way. Have big solid tree trunks column which is very heavy to support the structure of the church. Firmly built and aesthetic. Visiting the church perhaps gives you many blessings, peace and love. A small quiet town.

Superb experience! Vale la pena! ( It's worth the effort of waking up early, taking breakfast at 6am, leaving hotel at 630am to attend 730am Holy Mass at this majestic cathedral!) It has Great history place for Catholic tradidions, French Church in the North of Vietnam. If you go to Ninh Binh, must visit for Christian especially Catholics! Phat Diem Cathedral consisted of one big central church and 4 smaller ones surrounding this main architecture. The churches were beautifully blended of the traditional Vietnamese culture and architecture and the Western religion reflecting in every single corner. The stand out is a pagoda style roof. The interior is very brightly decorated. The interior has a well recognizable Romanesque-like arrangement with its central nave and side aisles separated by wooden columns, terminating in the raised sanctuary. While the interior particulars may be distinctly oriental or Vietnamese in most regards, the basic architectural structure are thoroughly rooted in the Roman basilica. You will feel the youthfulness, vibrant atmosphere of Mass when compared to attending Mass at the western hemisphere churches where there are no young people willing to spend their Sunday morning at church anymore. Here 75% of the Mass attendance are young people, kids and children! We also met very nice people who greeted us with warmth.

Unique architecture and the people are very nice, from the lady selling bánh gai outside the church to the library guy

A very beautiful and ancient place. Highly highly recommend for people who travel to Ninh Binh to visit. You can ask for nun to show tou around the church and explain about structure and its history also.