TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. TOP 8 MOST BEAUTIFUL CATHOLIC CHURCHES IN HA NOI
Ha Noi has over 30 catholic churches with varying sizes. But the 8 below are considered the most beautiful and attract the highest number of tourists.
1.1. Grand Cathedral of Ha Noi (St. Joseph's Cathedral)
Address: 40 Nhà Chung street, Hoàn Kiếm district, Hà Nội.
Travel route: 📍St. Joseph Cathedral
Ha Noi Grand Cathedral or the Saint Joseph’s Cathedral is one of the most unique architecture in Ha Noi.
The Grand Cathedral was built at the end of the nineteenth century, at 40 Nhà Chung street, Hoàn Kiếm district. The architecture resembles the Paris Grand Cathedral, with tall bell tower, delicate glass windows, majestic facade, large interior space alongside other expressive decorative details…
Ha Noi Grand Cathedral is more than just an important historical heritages site but also a unique culture and art symbol of the city.
1.2. Cua Bac Parish Church
Address: 56 Phan Đình Phùng street, Ba Đình district, Hà Nội
Travel route:📍 Cua Bac Parish Church
Cua Bac Parish Church ( built in 1932) is always considered one of the most unique and gorgeous churches in Ha Noi. Architectures created a perfect combination of Romanesque building style and Art Deco to build a church that is both modern and ancient.
The church’s facade stands out with exquisite decorative details in the middle, in combination with the tall bell tower creating an impressive and breathtaking scenery. On the inside, a large interior space with archaic rows of wooden chairs in combination with natural light coming in from colored windows resulting in a quiet but beautiful scenery.
1.3. Ham Long Church (Church of Saint Anthony of Padua)
Address: 21 Hàm Long street, Hoàn Kiếm district, Hà Nội
Travel route: 📍 St Anthony Ham Long Church
Ham Long church, located at 21 Ham Long street, Hoan Kiem district is a Roman Catholic church. This church was built in 1934 by Doctor Than – a Vietnamese architect who studied abroad in France.
The beauty of Ham Long Church comes from the unique design, a combination of Western style with Vietnamese colorful details. Straw, traditional paper and Schizostachyum aciculare (a type of bamboo)… construction materials of the common folk are used to create the church’s arches, creating echoes when a ceremony is occurring.
A large interior with detailed and exquisite decoratives will attract the looks of everyone when first stepping into the church.
1.4. Thai Ha Parish Church
Address: 180/2 Nguyễn Lương Bằng street, Đống Đa district, Hà Nội
Travel route:📍 Nhà thờ giáo xứ Thái Hà
Thai Ha Parish Church, located at 180/2 Nguyễn Lương Bằng street, Đống Đa district, is one of the most well known and has the most influence in Ha Noi. It is a part of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Latin: Congregatio Sanctissimi Redemptoris), Thai Ha Parish Church is also known for its eye-catching architecture, extensive charity works and positive social work programs.
1.5. Phung Khoang Church (Church of Our Lady of the Rosary)
Address: 161 Phùng Khoang street, Trung Văn ward, Từ Liêm district, Hà Nội
Travel route:📍 Phung Khoang Church
Phung Khoang Church is a part of the Roman Catholic churches, about 10 km from Hoan Kiem lake and 15 km from the Grand Cathedral. Built in 1910, this church is built following French neoclassical architecture, mixed in with the beauty of Vietnam countryside. Phung Khoang church is a well known destination for both tourists and domestic people. Especially during Christmas, this place is packed with people because of its distinctive looks, romantic and peaceful atmosphere.
1.6. An Thai Cathedral
Address: 2RX6+GGX, Bưởi street, Tây Hồ district, Hà Nội
Travel route: 📍 Nhà thờ Giáo Xứ An Thái
An Thai cathedral is also known as Ke Buoi cathedral, deep in 460 alley on Thue Khue street, Tay Ho province. This cathedral was built around 1893-1907, following the Renaissance architecture style of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the oldest and the most preserved churches in Ha Noi, An Thai cathedral brings a peaceful and calm atmosphere.
An Thai Cathedral is an ideal destination for tourists who want to explore the history and the architecture of catholic religion in Ha Noi.
1.7. Thinh Liet Parish church
Address: 111, Giáp Bát alley, Giáp Bát street, Hoàng Mai district, Hà Nội
Travel route:📍 Church Village Eight – Professor Ke Lightning
Thinh Liet Parish church, also known as Eighth village church, Ke Set Parish church, lies deep in Giáp Bát alley, Hoàng Mai district, Built in 1911, it stand out because of Gothic style and rows of distinct vietnamese bright red roof tiles, creating a unique and familiar building.
Wide open spaces allow many religious activities and festivals, which attract many people to come visit, especially during xmas. Thinh Liet Parish Church is considered one of the most beautiful in Ha Noi, bringing tourists many new and interesting experiences.
1.8. Ha Dong Parish church
Address: 1 Hoàng Hoa Thám street, Nguyễn Trãi ward, Hà Đông district, Hà Nội
Travel route: 📍 Cathedral Ha Dong
Ha Dong Parish church was built in 1908 and in the middle of Hà Đông district. With a distinct and beautiful architecture and quiet surrounding, the church is an ideal place for anyone seeking peace and tranquillity. During festival season, the church is a busy place with visits from everyone including tourists.
The church has 2 gates, the main one is on Hoàng Hoa Thám street, and the back door is next to Minh Khai street, which make visitation by tourists a lot more convenient.
2. WHAT TOURISTS NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO WHEN VISITING CHURCHES?
When visiting churches in Ha Noi, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Clothes: Dress politely and properly. Avoid short pants, shirts showing shoulders, shirts that are too short or inappropriate clothes.
- Behaviour: Keep quiet and don’t make loud noises, especially during ceremonies, don’t drink, smoke or chew gums when inside the churches.
- Attitude: Respect local religious ceremonies and traditions. If you are not Catholic, please refrain from participating in worshipping ceremonies that you do not fully understand.
- Photography: Ask before taking picture, especially when taking photos inside churches. Avoid taking photos during ceremonies to avoid being annoying to other participants.
- Follow churches’ rules: Each church can have their own rules and regulations, you need to pay attention to warning signs and ask your tour guide whenever you arrive at a church.
If you have a chance to visit Ha Noi, the capital of Vietnam, especially during xmas then you should visit one of the eight churches TrustVisa wrote about in this article to enjoy the atmosphere and explore the beauty these places have to offer.