Phat Diem Cathedral – a combination of French and Vietnamese architecture
Last Update: 24th October 2020
Originally built in 1875 and completed in 1899, Phat Diem Cathedral is a stone and wood structure. The facade is mainly built in stone while the interior with the Vietnamese style is mainly made of wood. Many visitors think it is worth visiting the cathedral.
Phat Diem Cathedral Fast Facts
- Name: Phat Diem Cathedral
- Height: 15 x meters tall
- Things to do there: Architecture, Photography, Christianity
- Who visits: Photographers, Architects, Religious Persons
- Time required: 1 – 2 x Hours
Phat Diem Cathedral is composed of five chapels to explore.
Offering several towers, the main gate in the Eastern style has a cross on the top of the largest tower in the middle on the roof. The tower is surrounded by small Eastern towers with one stone sculpture on the top.
Completed in 1899, the main church, Phuong Dinh is a 3-storey stone structure. It is said that the stone in the middle of the ground floor belongs to the King of the Ho Dynasty (1400 – 1407). The big drum on the first floor is just used on Sunday and during the important ceremonies. In addition, the floor features four towers. Each of them has one saint sculpture. The bell on the second floor cast in 1890 is one of the highlights on the second floor.
Completed in 1891, the cathedral is to worship Saint Maria. More than tens of wooden pillars support it in the interior. The wooden beams are carved with exquisite patterns. The roof is covered with red-and-orange tiles.
The best time to visit Phat Diem Cathedral is in the morning as it is not hot.
The best months to visit are from March to November.
Unfortunately, there is no direct bus to Phat Diem Cathedral from Ninh Binh or Hanoi. Thus, the only option is to rent a vehicle.
- Opening hours: 07:00 – 21:30
- Tourists can visit the cathedral for free.
- Please keep quiet in the cathedral.
- It is not allowed to take photos in the cathedral.
- Please don’t wear shorts, short skirts or slippery shoes in the cathedral.
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including Phat Diem Cathedral, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.