Thousands watch Notre Dame Cathedral 'light up' ahead of Christmas

1,000 km of LED lights light up Notre Dame Cathedral

After many days of construction, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (Saigon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) has been "dressed in a new coat" with a brilliant LED light system, creating a magical, shimmering beauty at night. Priest Ignatio Ho Van Xuan, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City, Head of the church's restoration committee, said that the system was fully installed and tested in early December. This year, the number of lights has doubled compared to last Christmas, adding many motifs such as globes, stars, bells along the tiled roof; on the two zinc towers, there are additional LED lights in the shape of pine trees. "Installing the LED light system will create a warm atmosphere for Christmas and create a highlight for people and tourists to admire," said Mr. Xuan.

Thousands of people and tourists visit and take pictures

In recent days, people in Ho Chi Minh City have been very excited and delighted by the brilliant beauty of Notre Dame Cathedral when it was covered with yellow LED lights. According to records on the evening of December 5-6, many people flocked to this hundreds of years old building to have fun and take pictures. Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral was built in 1877, completed after 3 years and was conferred the title of minor basilica by the Vatican in 1959. This is a unique architectural work from the French colonial period designed by architect J. Bourard. The cathedral is 60.5 m high, of which the zinc tower and bell tower account for more than half, 26 m and 11 m high respectively. Located in the city center, the church attracts people and tourists, especially during holidays, Tet and Christmas.