The church’s construction started in 1875 and was complete in 1898. Stones and ironwood were the main materials.

The centuries-old complex encompasses a main church and five smaller adjacent ones. What makes the church special is its architecture which incorporates Sino-Vietnamese style and European Gothic style. 

Phat Diem Cathedral, arguably one of the most beautiful churches in Vietnam, became a national cultural and historic relic in 1988.

 

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The facade of Phat Diem Cathedral 

 

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A stone carving at the entrance decorated with sophisticated patterns

 

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An impressive wooden architectural design inside the church

 

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An altar in the church


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Beautiful patterns carved into Phat Diem church's big wooden columns

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A closeup of patterns on the church's wooden columns

 

Vuong Anh
SGT