Located about 20km west of central Da Nang, Tung Son Church, a filial church of Phu Thuong Parish under the Da Nang Diocese, stands in Hoa Khanh Ward. The community traces its missionary roots back to the 17th century.

Constructed in 1904, the church is one of the few surviving ancient churches in Da Nang that retains its original architectural character and rare construction materials.

Over more than 120 years, Tung Son Church has preserved a classical beauty, blending Gothic architectural elements harmoniously with traditional Vietnamese design.

According to historical accounts, the builders used powdered lime mixed with resin extracted from the bark of the boi loi tree and crushed dodder vine to create the mortar binding the stones together. This mixture was also applied externally to form the church’s plastered surfaces.

The boi loi tree resembles a guava tree, with leaves similar to those of the tropical almond. When its bark is split or crushed and soaked in water, it produces a viscous resin. Dodder vine, a leafless climbing plant, is green when young and turns yellow as it matures. Rich in sap, it possesses strong adhesive properties.

Over time, parts of the exterior plaster have peeled away, revealing neatly arranged layers of stone beneath. Yet the adhesion remains remarkably firm. The church’s distinctive architectural features have been carefully preserved.

Ho Giap