Hidden within a residential neighborhood in Ninh Binh, an old church with curved domes, moss-covered walls, and overgrown vines evokes a nostalgic charm that prompts many passersby to stop and marvel at its beauty.

The church is located on a plot of land near the dike along the Dao River in what was once Thanh Loi commune, Vu Ban district, Nam Dinh province. It is now part of Truong Thi ward, Ninh Binh province.

This structure lies within a compound of over 1,000 square meters, owned by Vu Dinh Dich (born 1952).

From a distance, the church appears completely cloaked in moss and cascading vines that spill down its old brick walls, giving it an ancient and wistful appearance. Many liken the site to a “fairy-tale castle.”

According to Dich, the building is a remnant of a Catholic church constructed during the French colonial period more than a century ago.

“I heard from the elders that when the French came to spread Christianity via the river, they stopped at the dike and chose this location to build a church. Over time, with historical upheavals, the church was gradually abandoned and most of it collapsed,” Dich said.

“Our family purchased the land over 40 years ago, at a time when the church had already fallen into ruin. Only the bell tower remained, as it does now.”

Inside the bell tower, the marks of time are clearly visible.

Despite being abandoned for nearly half a century, the church still impresses with its distinct Gothic architecture, featuring vertical columns, tall arched windows, and intricate decorative details.

Few know that the bell tower was struck by lightning and yet continues to stand firm to this day.

Dich recounted that when he bought the land, elders in the village told him the tower had been struck by lightning twice. A large chunk near the top of the structure had broken off - evidence of one of those strikes.

These scars, coupled with the silence surrounding the site, often spark curiosity in those who pass by.

Dich shared that although the church has been deserted for years, its structure remains remarkably solid. With no construction plans in sight, his family has never considered demolishing it.

Trong Tung