Hanoi Cathedral

Called the Great Church because it is the largest cathedral in Hanoi . Built on the old land of Bao Thien Pagoda, the project was designed and supervised by Bishop Puginier, started in 1884 and inaugurated on Christmas 1887 with the name of Saint Joseph Church (Saint Joseph, canonized by the Pope as the patron saint of Vietnam).

Sketch by artist Vuong Long

Painting by artist Doan Quoc

The church is 20.5 m wide and 64.5 m long. The facade is symmetrical, divided into 3 parts with two bell towers on each side, nearly 32 m high, the middle block is lower, on the roof is a large stone cross. The clock on the main facade has a bell system connected to 5 bells hanging on the two towers.

Sketch by Architect Bui Hoang Bao

Sketch by Architect Tran Xuan Hong

Greatly influenced by Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris - France, the building (using European construction materials and floor tiles) has a Gothic architectural style with a system of high pointed arches, multi-colored glass windows... However, indigenous architecture is still used in the building such as terracotta tile roofs, sanctuary and altar carved with patterns, painted with gold according to folk culture.

Sketch by Thai architect Sutien Lokulprakit

Sketch by Architecture University student Nguyen Viet Hoang

Sketch by Thai architect Sutien Lokulprakit

The square in front has a flower garden with a metal statue of the Virgin Mary, and a fence around the flower garden with iron details in the shape of a cross.

Sketch by Architect Phung The Huy

Sketch by Ngo Quoc Thuan - Student of Nguyen Tat Thanh University

Sketch by Architect Linh Hoang

In 2022, the Great Church will complete the restoration (repainting, rebuilding the bell system, restoring the clock, etc.). The rain and moss stains imprinted by time are also painted with 3D imitation of ancient objects, quite "realistically", so the church still retains its ancient appearance.

Sketch by Architect Nguyen Khanh Vu

Painting by artist Doan Quoc

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/goc-ky-hoa-nha-tho-lon-ha-noi-185240203220832067.htm