Notre Dame Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh city: Historical icon in the city center
Notre Dame Cathedral is located right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, a historical landmark with striking architecture that captivates the attention of all who pass by. Featuring unique classical French design amidst the bustling energy of Saigon, the cathedral offers a spacious, open atmosphere both inside and out. Visitors can come here to explore, relax, and capture stunning photographs.
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Overview of Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral
Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral, also known as the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, has the full name of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. This iconic structure stands out with its impressive dimensions—91 meters long, 35.5 meters wide, and the main roof arch reaching a height of 21 meters. The two bell towers on the exterior soar to nearly 57 meters. Designed by architect J. Bourard in classic French style, Notre-Dame Cathedral not only features a spacious exterior but also impresses visitors with its grandeur and historic charm inside. It is one of the most prominent attractions in Saigon, drawing large numbers of both domestic and international tourists.
The Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral was built in the late 19th century during the period of French colonial invasion in Vietnam. The French authorities at the time sought to build a large cathedral to serve the religious needs of the French community and military. French Admiral Bonard decided to construct a new cathedral on March 28, 1863, which was completed two years later. In 1895, two bell towers were added, along with six small bronze bells suspended around them. Atop each tower is a 3.5-meter-tall, 2-meter-wide, 600-kilogram cross, bringing the total height of the building from the ground to the peak to 60.5 meters.
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The French also cast a bronze statue of Pigneau de Behaine (also known as Bishop Adran) holding the hand of Prince Canh, the son of King Gia Long, and placed it in front of the cathedral. However, the statue was destroyed in 1945, though its base remains intact.
On February 7, 1959, Cardinal Agagianian from Rome officiated the placement of the Statue of Our Lady of Peace, giving the cathedral its current name, Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral. In 1962, the cathedral was officially conferred the title of Basilica.
After Vietnam gained independence, the cathedral ceased to be merely a symbol of French presence. It became part of Vietnam’s cultural heritage, a reminder of the past, and a place where cultures meet and blend.
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The History of Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral’s Existence and Development
Key historical milestones associated with Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral include:
- 1863 – 1880: The construction of Notre-Dame Cathedral began during the period when Vietnam was under French colonial rule.
- 1880: The cathedral was officially completed and inaugurated, becoming one of the most beautiful Gothic architectural masterpieces in Southeast Asia.
- 1940s – 1950s: During World War II and the subsequent post-war upheavals, Notre-Dame Cathedral served as a spiritual refuge for many people.
- 1975: As Saigon underwent a power transition, Notre-Dame Cathedral continued to play its role as a spiritual and cultural symbol of Ho Chi Minh City.
- 1990s – 2000s: Amidst Vietnam’s economic opening and integration into the global community, Notre-Dame Cathedral became a major tourist attraction, helping to promote Vietnam’s image and culture to the world.
- 2017: A full renovation and maintenance project for the cathedral began, reaffirming the structure’s significance in the modern era. The restoration is expected to be completed by 2027, a delay from the original projection of 2019 due to various logistical challenges.
How to Get to Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral
Since the cathedral is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, there are many bus routes that pass by. You can take one of the following buses, then walk a short distance to reach the cathedral. Here are some bus routes for your reference:
- Route D1: 23/9 Park – Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- Route 36: Ben Thanh – Thoi An
- Route 120: 23/9 Park – 23/9 Park
- Route 03: 23/9 Park – Thanh Loc
- Route 19: Ben Thanh – National University Area
- Route 45: District 8 – Ben Thanh – Eastern Bus Station
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If you’re traveling by motorbike or car, you can park at nearby parking lots, with fees ranging from VND 10,000 to 20,000 for motorbikes, and VND 100,000 for cars.
Opening Hours and Entrance Fees for Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral
Cathedral Opening Hours
Notre-Dame Cathedral is open to both parishioners and visitors. To fully experience the activities and learn more about the church, you can refer to the following Mass schedules:
- Monday to Saturday: Mass is held twice daily at 5:30 AM and 5:30 PM.
- Sunday: Mass is held at 5:30 AM, 6:45 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM (English service); and at 4:00 PM, 5:15 PM, and 6:30 PM.
Is there an entrance fee for Notre-Dame Cathedral?
Currently, Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral does not charge an entrance fee for visitors. You are free to explore the area and enjoy the site.
Maintenance and Restoration of Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral
To date, the cathedral has undergone three major renovations. The first renovation was the construction of the pointed bell towers in 1895. The second occurred in 1903, which involved refurbishing the cathedral’s facade and building the flower garden and Bá Đa Lộc monument. The third renovation took place in 1959 with the placement of the Statue of Our Lady of Peace.
Currently, Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral is undergoing its fourth renovation, a large-scale restoration project that began in August 2017. Initially, the project was expected to be completed by June 2020. However, due to various issues, the estimated completion date has been pushed back to 2027.
During the renovation, the cathedral remains open to Catholic parishioners every Sunday. Notably, there is a bilingual Mass in both Vietnamese and English at 9:30 AM every Sunday. Visitors can still walk around, take photos in the surrounding grounds, or visit the square in front of Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Architectural Highlights of Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral
Materials and Architecture of Notre-Dame Cathedral
Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral was constructed in the Romanesque Revival style (also known as Neo-Romanesque), a popular architectural approach in the mid-19th century inspired by the Romanesque architecture of the 11th and 12th centuries. Buildings in this style are typically characterized by arches and simply designed windows.
During the construction of Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral, all the materials—cement, steel, and even screws—were imported from France. The exterior of the cathedral is made of bricks produced in Marseille. The unique quality of these bricks is that they were left untreated and unplastered, yet they have resisted moss and dirt, retaining their bright pink hue after decades. The entire sanctuary features 56 stained-glass windows, produced in the province of Chartres, France.
Design of Notre-Dame Cathedral
The foundation of the cathedral was specially designed to support a weight 10 times greater than the entire architectural structure. Notably, unlike other churches in Saigon-Gia Dinh at the time, Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral does not have fences or walls surrounding it.
The interior of the cathedral consists of two main rectangular aisles, with six rows on each side representing the 12 apostles. The altar of Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral is made from a single block of granite, featuring six angels carved into the stone. The altar is divided into three sections, each showcasing a sculpted depiction of holy relics.
The walls are adorned with 56 stained-glass panels illustrating biblical figures or events, along with 31 round rose windows and 25 multi-colored oculus windows, all combined with intricate and beautiful imagery. Every detail, line, and decorative pattern follows the dignified and elegant Romanesque and Gothic forms. However, out of the 56 original stained-glass windows, only four remain intact today. The rest were restored in 1949 after being destroyed during the war.
The Bell Towers of Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral
In the original design, the two bell towers stood at 36.6 meters without roofs and had only a narrow staircase about 40 cm wide. The interior was dark, and the floors were covered with small wooden tiles. In 1895, the cathedral added two roofs, each 21 meters tall, designed by architect Gardes to cover the bell towers, bringing the total height of the towers to 57 meters. All six bells were hung in the two bell towers. These bells were made in France and brought to Saigon in 1879.
The bells are operated electrically from below. On regular days, the bells of Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral ring only at 5:00 AM and 4:15 PM. On holidays and Sundays, the bells typically ring three times. When all six bells ring simultaneously, the sound is incredibly loud and can be heard from as far as 10 kilometers away.
Between the two bell towers, a large clock is installed. It was made in 1887 and weighs up to one ton. Despite being over a century old, the clock still functions with remarkable accuracy.
The Small Square in Front of Notre-Dame Cathedral
Paris Commune Square is located between Notre-Dame Cathedral and Nguyen Du Street. At the center of the square stands the Statue of Our Lady of Peace. This is a popular spot where visitors often stop to enjoy coffee, take photos, and watch the pigeons. Especially on weekend mornings, the square becomes a lively gathering place for young people to chat and have fun together.
A Few Notes for Visiting Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Notre-Dame Cathedral is a place of worship, so visitors should maintain a respectful demeanor, avoid making noise, or engaging in inappropriate behavior.
- Dress modestly when entering the cathedral, avoiding overly short or revealing clothing.
- Visitors are welcome to take photos outside the cathedral, but it is advised to limit photography during services or when there are many people praying inside to avoid disruption.
- Do not litter, and always keep the surrounding environment clean.
- The cathedral has specific opening hours, so visitors should check in advance to avoid missing the opportunity to visit, especially on holidays and weekends when there may be special religious activities.
With over 100 years of history and development, Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral today not only serves as a place for the Catholic community to pray, but it also stands as an important cultural and historical symbol of Ho Chi Minh City.
If you are planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, don’t forget to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral to capture some memorable photos. Feel free to contact SVietnam Travel for the best advice and special offers when booking a tour early.
