153-year-old pink church fascinates tourists around the world in Ho Chi Minh City

Recently, the Hindustan Times (India) listed 8 destinations that satisfy pink lovers who like to travel around the world . In the list, the famous English newspaper of India mentioned Tan Dinh Church (District 3, Ho Chi Minh City). The remaining 7 destinations are Hillier Lake (Australia), Jaipur (India), Pink Sand Beach (Bahamas), Hitachi Park (Japan), Laguna Salada de Torrevieja (Spain), Craigievar Castle (Scotland) and Las Coloradas (Mexico).

In June 2020, American travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler also voted Tan Dinh Church as one of the 10 most beautiful pink destinations in the world.

Tan Dinh Church is officially called the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This is a Catholic church located on Hai Ba Trung Street (District 3).

According to research, the church began construction in 1870 and was completed 6 years later, built in the Gothic architectural style (often seen in pointed roofs, pointed arches, large colorful windows) but the details are Roman and Baroque style. According to records, it was not until 1957 that the church was dressed in a pink coat, brightening up a corner of Hai Ba Trung Street today.

Along with Notre Dame Cathedral, Tan Dinh is one of the two oldest churches in Ho Chi Minh City. The unique pink color has attracted many domestic and international tourists.

The structure has a main tower and two sub-towers. On top of the main tower is a 3m high cross, inside are 5 bells, total weight 5.5 tons. The two sub-towers have light towers, many wind-flower windows with patterns creating a solid and delicate look.

Mr. Nguyen Hoang Khanh, a Catholic blogger who has been associated with Tan Dinh Church for more than 6 years, shared: "I have been to many churches across the country, but Tan Dinh Church impressed me the most, not only because of its exterior color but also because of the meticulousness in every aspect from the seats, decorative lights, fans, sound, and the sophistication of the choir. Every very small detail is carefully and perfectly executed."

Going deep inside the Cathedral, visitors will be overwhelmed by the ancient architecture with two rows of Gothic columns leading to the main altar. Most of the altars in the Cathedral are made from precious stones sent from Italy to Vietnam.

The interior of the church is quite imposing and airy with two rows of Gothic columns leading to the main altar made of Italian marble, enhancing the solemnity of the entire architectural work. Two rows of corridors have arches, covered with fish-scale tiles, round windows with decorative flowers and leaves, and very sophisticated angel statues. On both sides of the corridor are statues of Saints.

Within Tan Dinh Church, there are many remarkable works of art, including paintings, statues of saints, and extremely sophisticated sculptures. These works demonstrate the talent and creativity of local and foreign artisans.

"Stained glass windows are an indispensable detail in a Gothic architectural work. They are always a highlight and a visual stimulus - impossible not to look at. These windows are made of colorful stained glass and feature images of saints and stories from the Bible," Khanh shared.

After more than 150 years, with many changes of the times, Tan Dinh Church is still a brilliant highlight in the middle of Ho Chi Minh City. After many renovations and expansions, the original architecture is still respected and preserved.

The church is open to visitors every day of the week, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekends. There is no specific dress code, but visitors should dress neatly, modestly, and elegantly.

In addition to Tan Dinh Church in Ho Chi Minh City, our country also has two more churches painted pink to attract visitors: Domaine de Marie Church in Da Lat and Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Da Nang .

Source: https://baonghean.vn/nha-tho-153-tuoi-mau-hong-me-hoac-du-khach-khap-the-gioi-o-tp-ho-chi-minh-post274783.html