(Dan Tri) - With its unique Romanesque architecture, majesty and splendor, Cho Quan Church (District 5) is considered the oldest church in Saigon.
Cho Quan Church is considered the oldest church in Saigon with a history of 300 years. After being destroyed many times by war, in 1882, Cho Quan Church was rebuilt by Father Hamm on the old land until today. With a week to go until Christmas, Cho Quan Church has been decorated with lights and flowers to welcome people from both inside and outside the church to come and have fun. Cho Quan Church is located on Tran Binh Trong Street (District 5). The church has a total area of about 16,000m2, nestled in the middle of a densely populated residential area. The church's ground plan is arranged in the style of ancient church architecture, including five compartments stretching from the main entrance - bell tower to the Sanctuary. Cho Quan Church has a bell tower with three floors: the bell-pulling floor, the bell-keeping floor, and the top roof floor with five bells. These bells were cast in France and transported to Vietnam by ship. Five elephants were used to pull the bells up each tower.
Of the five bells at Cho Quan Church, two are used on normal days, two are used for important ceremonies, and one is used to announce a death. Only on special occasions are all five bells rung at the same time. This building has Romanesque architecture, the doors are all in the arched structure, large stone columns with unique patterns and red tiled roof. The side of the church is simple with a row of arched windows, moldings, glass louvre windows, the architectural facade of the building has the same light yellow color. The Cho Quan Church grounds have many trees, so this is a place that people often choose to take a walk and exercise every afternoon. "My family is not religious, but every afternoon I come here to walk and exercise because the church grounds are very spacious, airy and there is no traffic," said Mr. Hoang (living in District 5). Behind Cho Quan Church is a statue of Saint Martin, the patron saint of multi-ethnic people and those who support racial harmony. The main hall of Cho Quan Church is painted light yellow with characteristic curved arches. The spacious space with 6 rows of chairs can accommodate about 1,500 parishioners attending the ceremony. The Sanctuary is decorated quite simply but extremely solemnly with a statue of Jesus on the cross. On both sides of the main room are decorated with many statues of saints of all sizes. Cho Quan Church is a place of religious activities for hundreds of parishioners living in Ho Chi Minh City. Inside the church is the tomb of Father Hamm, who built Cho Quan Church. In addition to being a place for religious activities, Cho Quan Church is also a tourist destination for locals and visitors from all over. Except for mass times, people can visit the church every day of the week.
Báo Dân trí•18/12/2023
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