Five churches for Christmas in Saigon

In addition to the amusement spots in the city center, churches are the destinations of many tourists to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.

The churches in Saigon were mostly built in the latter half of the 19th century, in the French-styled architecture combining with the Roman and Gothic styles of the medieval Europe. Some churches were built as the emotional support for the French government and some others were constructed to meet the spiritual needs of indigenous believers.

Notre Dame Cathedral on Dong Khoi Street, District 1

 

 

 

Photo: dulichviet

This is the largest church in the city, which was completed in 1880. It is also known as the State church because it was built by the French colonial government. The church was later transferred to the Saigon diocese.

In the past, the Notre Dame Cathedral was the largest church among those built by the French in its colonies. The church was built by Marseille bricks, colorful glass and steel frames from France and green stone from Bien Hoa, Dong Nai province. The Roman-styled doorways are reminiscent of the great cathedrals in Paris, Chartres or Reim in France.

The Notre Dame Cathedral has absolutely no room for candles because it has been fully illuminated by electric lights since its inauguration in 1880.

The construction of this work started on October 7, 1877, and it was inaugurated on April 11, 1880. The church was designed in France, built by a French engineer named Bourad.

Tan Dinh Church, 289 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 3

 

 

Photo: baoanhvietnam.

 

 

 

The Tan Dinh Church is smaller and it was built for the Vietnamese parish. It is typical for the blend of architectural styles of French churches, which was built and expanded in several stages.

Inaugurated on December 16, 1876, Tan Dinh Church is one of the religious buildings that were built early in Saigon. Located on a bustling street, Tan Dinh Church has beautiful architecture from the arches to the finely carved details.

Huyen Sy Church, 1 Ton That Tung Road, District 1

 

 

Photo: Panoramio

The church imitates the style of small churches in France. This is one or a few churches that used Bien Hoa granite in the façade, the base and the main columns. This kind of stone is very hard to carve patterns but it shows wealth.

There are the tombs and the statues of Mr. Huyen Sy and his wife in the church. Huyen Sy was the richest man in Saigon at that time who built this church. The church was also named after him.

Cha Tam Church, 25 Hoc Lac Road, District 5

Photo: Dothi

The Cha Tam Church or Francis Xavier Church in Cho Lon is decorated with horizontal lacquered boards and parallel sentences inside, like Chinese temples.

On December 3, 1900, at the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, Saigon Bishop Mossard placed the first stone for the church built for the Chinese in Saigon.

The church was inaugurated on January 10, 1902. After that, parish Tam Asson built a school, a kindergarten, a boarding house, and houses for rent in the church.

In 1934, Father Tam died and he was buried at the entrance wall of the church. Therefore, the church is often called Cha Tam (Father Tam) Church.

In 1990, the church steeple and the sanctuary were refurbished.

Cho Quan Church, 120 Tran Binh Trong, District 5

 

Photo: Panoramio

The Cho Quan Church also has the Gothic-style architecture. It was built over 100 years ago in Cho Lon area.

Cho Quan is one of the oldest parishes of the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City. The first chapel was built in this area in 1674 by parishioners from the northern and central regions.

After several times of reconstruction, in 1887 Father Nicola Ham built the new church. This work was inaugurated in the New Year 1896.

Five churches for Christmas in Saigon