ST JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL HANOI
St Joseph Cathedral Hanoi. St. Joseph Cathedral is Hanoi's oldest church. After two brutal wars, the cathedral still stands calmly amid the bustling metropolis, having experienced many ups and downs in Hanoi.
St Joseph Cathedral Hanoi Information:
Address: 40 Nha Chung Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
The opening hours: From 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
St. Joseph's Cathedral is a well-known historical attraction that should not be missed when visiting Hanoi. It was one of the earliest architectural projects completed by the French colonial authorities in Indochina. Despite violent battles that have destroyed practically all of Hanoi, St. Joseph's Cathedral remains astonishingly intact. It is currently filled with hundreds of residents and visitors who visit daily to appreciate its distinctive architecture and rich history.
How to get to St Joseph's Cathedral Hanoi:
St. Joseph's Cathedral is located in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, near the junction of Nha Chung, Ly Quoc Su, and Nha Tho Streets. The church near Hoan Kiem Lake has twin bell towers and beautiful glass windows.
St. Joseph's Cathedral is conveniently located. From Hoan Kiem Lake, proceed to Hang Gai Street and continue until you reach Ly Quoc Su Street on the left. The Cathedral may be found near the end of Ly Quoc Su Street.
St. Joseph's Cathedral is accessible by a variety of modes of transportation. You may take a pedicab, or ride your motorcycle or bicycle. You may also catch a bus that stops close and walk to the cathedral.
- Buses 9, 14, and 36 stop at Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Bus 1 stops on Trieu Quoc Dat Street.
- Bus 2 stops on Trang Thi Street.
The history of St Joseph Cathedral Hanoi:
St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi, erected during the French colonial period, is a classic example of colonial architecture in Vietnam's capital city.
St Joseph's Cathedral was first constructed of wood. St Joseph's Cathedral was erected between 1884 and 1887 and was made of brick and coated with concrete. The church was considered to resemble a tiny replica of Notre Dame de Paris, with several Gothic Revival architectural elements.
Prior to the construction of St. Joseph's Cathedral, a Buddhist pagoda named Bao Thien existed on the site. This pagoda was the largest and most revered during the Ly-Tran dynasties. At the end of the 18th century, several elements of the pagoda were removed to make way for a market. The cathedral was built on the site, first out of wood. It was restored using baked clay in 1884 and completed on Christmas Day, 1888.
Catholicism was widely practiced throughout the French colonial period, with St Joseph's Cathedral serving as the Catholic hub in Northern Vietnam. There were daily and weekly rites held at the church during that time. It was a holy destination for thousands of Catholics in the Northern area, as well as a refuge for Vietnamese revolutionary warriors.
After French colonists left Northern Vietnam in 1954, the church was shuttered and turned over to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam government. It wasn't until Christmas 1990 that the cathedral reopened for Catholics.
The unique architecture of St Joseph's Cathedral Hanoi:
In the hectic city of Hanoi, the cathedral exudes old and tranquil beauty. It is 64.5 meters long and 20.5 meters wide. The exterior consists of two 31.5-meter-high square bell towers and a large clock that recalls the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. A copper statue of Mother Maria stands in front of the church, surrounded by iron gates, flowers, and trees.
St. Joseph's Cathedral is a famous example of Gothic architecture in Vietnam. Its architecture contains bright big glass windows and lofty domes, as well as images of Jesus Christ throughout.
The cathedral's architecture has elements of both the Gothic and Vietnamese styles. The building's structure consists of baked clay bricks, red tiles, and pasteboard walls. Worship altars are also adorned with crimson and gold gilded wood, a frequent feature in traditional Vietnamese temples.
St Joseph's Cathedral is a prominent example of Gothic architecture in Vietnam, which became popular in Europe around the middle of the eighteenth century. St Joseph's Cathedral was created with colorful towering glass windows and lofty domes, surrounded by images of Jesus Christ.
A 2-meter-high terracotta figure of St. Joseph is placed in the center of the main court. Below, large brown wooden rows of chairs line up to the door for Catholic rituals.
Things to see at St Joseph's Cathedral Hanoi:
Attending mass is a fascinating experience that you should attempt at least once, even if you are not a Catholic. The priest will read and explain the Bible, as well as organize Catholic baptisms and absolution.
The cathedral is free to the public every day, except Sundays from 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. Meanwhile, it is open for religious services Monday through Friday at 5:30 a.m. and 6:15 p.m., and Saturday at 5:30 a.m. and 6 p. It is open for mass celebrations many times during the day, including 5 a.m., 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 4 p.m.
St. Joseph's Cathedral in Vietnam is one of Hanoi's most notable examples of French colonial architecture. As a result, you should absolutely shoot beautiful photos and record unforgettable experiences here. Many images taken here may be found by searching social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Zalo, and TikTok.
If you are not a Catholic and are wondering about how a Catholic ceremony is performed? Come to St Joseph's Cathedral this weekend for an interesting experience. On weekends, all events in this church are large and formal; the priest will read and explain the Bible, organize baptisms, and administer ablutions to Catholics.
At Christmas, the church is sparklingly decked and attracts many non-Catholics and young people from Hanoi. The church also hosts a variety of entertainment activities that are appropriate for family, friends, and dating couples to participate in.
St Joseph's Cathedral, with its European elegance, is an excellent location for photography in Hanoi, and particularly in the Old Quarter. Nowadays, couples use the chapel for wedding photographs, while students use it for yearbook photos.
It's a shame to pass up the opportunity to see St. Joseph's Cathedral and drink lemon tea. With only a cup of tea and a seat on the pavement beneath the cool green tree canopy, you may converse with friends, eat street cuisine, and admire the church's splendor.
Tips For visiting St Joseph's Cathedral Hanoi:
If you want to snap images there, you'll need a camera or a smartphone.
If you travel in the summer, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or umbrella (since surprise showers in Hanoi occur frequently in the afternoon or at night), and anti-bug spray.
There are several Western-style restaurants, Vietnamese traditional eateries, and street food options around the cathedral, so you do not need to carry your own.
Visit the cathedral on important occasions such as Christmas, weekends, or Catholic religious celebrations.
There is no food or drink allowed inside.
Don't create any noise when visiting inside.
Hotline/ WhatsApp: +847-6666-0606
Email: info@friendlytravel.vn
