Hanoi Main Cathedral

A French architectural highlight in the heart of Hanoi

Hanoi Main Cathedral is a beautiful symbol of French architecture in the heart of the capital city.
If you are a big fan of classical European architectural design, Hanoi Main Cathedral, located in the heart of the capital, is a not-to-miss destination. The Cathedral is not only a famous address for sightseeing but also a pilgrimage destination for Catholics.

Hanoi Cathedral, also widely known under the official name St. Joseph’s Cathedral, is the main Cathedral of the Hanoi Archdiocese. It’s one of the earliest Christian buildings constructed in Hanoi as well as the most spectacular and memorable French church architecture.

The “birth” of a famous French architecture symbol in Hanoi

The land occupied by Hanoi Main Cathedral today once belonged to the Bao Thien Pagoda. However, due to many unfortunate incidents and the ups and downs of history, the pagoda became abandoned and ruined.
In 1873, after the French took over the capital for the first time, the abandoned Bao Thien pagoda was entrusted to the Bishop of Puginier by the French. The Bishop had temporarily set up several wooden houses to make it a resting and working place.

In 1883, after the second invasion of the French into the capital city, the Northern Governor Raoul Bonnal asked Governor Nguyen Huu Do to entrust this old pagoda to Bishop Puginier. Afterward, the Bishop started to construct and transform the pagoda into the Hanoi Cathedral today.
Because of the formation process of Hanoi Cathedral, its impressive architecture is subjected to European classical style, especially French. Inaugurated in 1887 and situated at the center of the city, the Cathedral remained deserted due to the not-so-developed nature of the surrounding area at that time.

It was not until 1890 and the appearance of Cathedral Street that the church occupied a favorable and indispensable position in the urban space of Hanoi.

The breathtaking and magnificent French architecture of Hanoi Main Cathedral

Tourists will find themselves in utter astonishment at the gorgeous classical Gothic architectural style, which perfectly imitates the famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
The Cathedral has also made an unforgettable impression on onlookers with its delicate convergence between the oriental architecture and the sophisticated touch of Christian and Buddhist cultures.
The typical architectural style of the Cathedral of Hanoi is the medieval Gothic European style, considered the pinnacle of construction science and technology, and was very popular in the 12th century and the European Renaissance.

The church has a length of 64.5m, a width of 20.5m, and two bell towers of 31.5m high with massive stone pillars at four corners, together with a stone cross at the top. The interior is filled with natural light from Gothique art doors and windows decorated with beautiful and harmonious stained glass paintings. The sanctuary at the center of the Cathedral stands out with delicate carved wooden patterns in a bright golden color.

The church also owns a set of Western bells, including four small bells and a big bell, worth a massive fortune at that time. Especially a large clock attached to the facade of the church links to the five bells hanging on two towers.
When entering Hanoi Main Cathedral during the day, visitors will find themselves immersed in the natural space filled with dazzling light coming through the stained glass paintings on each window. Moreover, visitors even have the opportunity to admire the two-meter statue of St. Joseph by terracotta in the central area.

This area is twice as wide as the surrounding parts and holds religious ceremonies only. The windows on both sides sparkle with sophisticated stained glass and divide into three groups – high in the middle and low on the sides to create a continuous rhythm. In front of the church is a small square with the statue of Our Lady, adding to the landscape value of the architecture.

Don’t rush to say goodbye to Hanoi without visiting Hanoi Main Cathedral

Wandering the Cathedral’s surroundings in the early winter or walking around at night, visitors seem to get lost in the classic and luxurious European space, strange but very familiar.
Especially when the bell rings 12 hours in a quiet atmosphere and falls into nothingness, you will feel the “European soul” interlacing Vietnamese streets in the most obvious way.
Over 100 years with the ups and downs of history and severe wars, Hanoi Main Cathedral remains standing and a center of Catholic religious activities in the city and nearby areas. The Cathedral is not only an outstanding highlight of French architectural influence in Hanoi but also a must-go destination of the beautiful capital city.