VietNamNet Bridge - Built according to the traditional architecture of Vietnam, the chapel located in the campus of the bishop’s palace in District 3 is considered as the oldest house in HCM City today.

Located on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, the house was built in the reign of King Gia Long, in the 18th century near Thi Nghe Canal (now the Botanic Garden). According to priest Tran An Hiep, from the initial position, the chapel was displaced twice before it was moved to the current site.

The house is built in the traditional architectural style, with three compartments and two lean-tos. The beam system and subtle patterns on the walls are all made of wood.

This is the place for prayer service.

In 1962, Archbishop Paul Nguyen Van Binh replaced the timber walls by brick walls.

During a restoration, the floor was raised to prevent flooding.

The yin-yang roof tiles with sophisticated motifs.

The center space is the home for an altar where most details have been maintained for more than 200 years.

In 1980, the beams and pillars were damaged by termite. The current pillars are reinforced by cement and iron. The entire timber walls and floors were also replaced by cement.

The house is located within the archdiocese, surrounded by fences. The house’s architecture is maintained, however, some details are degraded.

According to architect Nguyen Truong Luu (center), Vice President of the HCM City Architect Association, the house is about to be restored.

VNE