Hanoi Cathedral

It's called the Grand Cathedral because it's the largest church in Hanoi . Built on the former site of Bao Thien Pagoda, the project was designed and supervised by Bishop Puginier, construction began in 1884 and it was inaugurated on Christmas Day 1887 under the name St. Joseph's Church (Saint Joseph, canonized by the Pope as the patron saint of Vietnam).

Sketches by artist Vuong Long

Paintings by artist Doan Quoc

The church is 20.5 meters wide and 64.5 meters long. The facade is symmetrical, divided into three sections: two bell towers on either side, nearly 32 meters high, and a shorter central section topped with a large stone cross. The clock on the main facade has a bell-ringing system connected to five bells hanging in the two towers.

Sketch by architect Bui Hoang Bao

Sketch by architect Tran Xuan Hong

Heavily influenced by Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, the building (using European building materials and floor tiles) features Gothic architecture with high, pointed arches and stained-glass windows. However, indigenous architectural elements are still incorporated, such as terracotta roof tiles, and the sanctuary and altar are decorated with carved patterns and gilded in a style reflecting folk culture.

Sketch by Thai architect Sutien Lokulprakit

Sketch by Nguyen Viet Hoang, a student at the University of Architecture.

Sketch by Thai architect Sutien Lokulprakit

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

Sketch by architect Phung The Huy

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

Sketches by architect Linh Hoang

In 2022, the cathedral completed its restoration (repainting, redoing the bell system, restoring the clock, etc.). The rain marks and moss that bear the marks of time were also repainted with 3D antique-style paint, recreating them quite realistically, so the cathedral still retains its original ancient appearance.

Sketches by architect Nguyen Khanh Vu

Paintings by artist Doan Quoc

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