VietNamNet Bridge – HCM City authorities have approved a proposal to restore the roof of the Sai Gon Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the most popular tourist sites and a protected heritage site in District 1.

The restoration of the roof, which measures 91m by 35m, will be done in 2017-19 by the HCM City Archdiocese.

According to Father Ho Van Xuan, a representative of the archdiocese, the restoration is required since some places have degraded due to the elements.

The restoration would be done carefully to "keep the original beauty" of the cathedral, he assured.

The work will be done in three phases: the roof, the interior and finally the two bell towers. The walls of the cathedral, which have been defaced by vandals, will also be repainted.

The church will continue to hold weekend masses despite the work.

The Sai Gon Notre Dame Cathedral was built by the French colonialists between 1863 and 1880. It has two bell towers that rise 58 metres (190 feet).

VNS