Situated in Nha Tho ward, in the city center, near Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph's Cathedral is a unique architecture and is a familiar image for Hanoi residents and visitors. Cathedral is one of the earliest Christian works built here and is also one of the most beautiful churches architecture in the capital.
The land of an ancient pagoda
The land to build the church today formerly had located a pagoda, which is Bao Thien pagoda (the full name is Sung Khanh Bao Thien Tu), a famous pagoda considered national pagoda. Bao Thien pagoda was built from the Ly, under the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong in 1057. The pagoda is huge, ancient, magnificent, and is located in Tien Thi village, Tho Xuong district (called Bao Thien ward), outside Thang Long citadel. During two dynasties, Ly – Tran; nearly 400 years, Bao Thien pagoda has been a famous national pagoda and the center of Buddhism in Dai Viet capital. In early 15th century, in the time of Minh dynasty of China, Bao Thien was severely damaged by Minh’s enemy, therefore, many precious treasures were lost or damaged. Bao Thien Tower is one of them, considered one in Four Great Treasures of Annam. Reconstructed under the Le Dynasty, but in the late 18th century, the pagoda had occurred a large fire, as a result, the monks relocated in other place and the pagoda became abandoned. In 1873, after the French occupied Hanoi, the area of Bao Thien pagoda was handed over to the French bishop named Puginier. Until 1883, the area of the pagoda was used to build the Church by the bishop Puginier
The work was inaugurated in Christmas 1887. At the time the church had just been finished, it was unfrequented. Until 1890, Nha Tho ward was built from the church directing straight to Hoan Kiem Lake, thus, the church had a prime and important location in the urban space
One of the most beautiful church architecture in Hanoi
St. Joseph's Cathedral was designed in the European Gothic style, influenced by the work Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris (France). The building is 64,5m long, 20.5 m wide and two bell towers with 31.5 m in height. The layout on the facade is symmetric and is divided into 3 parts. Two sides are two bell towers soaring up, and in the middle is the lower block finished by a triangle wall top with a Christian cross made up of a highlight. All windows of the church are used stained glass and the contents are the Saint paintings bringing natural light into the interior with the magic colors.
Overall, the work carries the style of Gothic architecture in Europe, but it still has the combination with the native architecture that is shown in the system of terracotta roof tiles, interior decoration following traditional characteristics of Vietnam. Consequently, it was a product of the very special cultural exchange between the East and the West
For over 100 years with the ups and downs of time and the war, the church still exists and is one of the Catholic centers of the capital and surrounding areas. The work is considered a typical church architecture and is one of the most beautiful Catholic churches in the capital and throughout the country
From the cathedral passing Nha Chung Street and Ly Thai To, you will immediately see Hoan Kiem Lake. It will be a pleasant experience if you are walked on The Huc Bridge and admire the ancient and majestic Ngoc Son Temple. Do not forget to look at the Old Quarter, visit the booths with various colors of the culture of Hanoi’s people, then stop at a street you like to sit and chat wind friends while drinking lemon tea. The National Library will also be an attractive place to visit for visitors who love the books and like to cultivate more useful information for themselves.
