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Phat Diem Cathedral

Phat Diem Cathedral: An architectural gem of Ninh Binh

27/07/2024 899 views

Nestled in the heart of Ninh Binh, Phat Diem Cathedral stands as a remarkable testament to Vietnam’s architectural heritage. Known for its unique blend of Vietnamese and European architecture, this cathedral draws visitors from around the world. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating history, design, and cultural significance of Phat Diem Cathedral, highlighting why it remains a must-see attraction for travelers in Ninh Binh.
Phat Diem Cathedral

Phat Diem Cathedral impresses with its intricate architecture (Source: Collected)

1. About Phat Diem Cathedral: Location and history

Phat Diem Cathedral is located on a 22-hectare area in Phat Diem town, Kim Son district, Ninh Binh province. It is regarded as Vietnam’s most stunning Catholic church complex, showcasing remarkable architectural beauty.

The church was built under the direction of Father Peter Tran Luc, who had been the parish priest of Phat Diem since 1865. Despite the ravages of time and war, the church remains well-preserved. Recognized as a national historical and cultural relic in 1988, efforts are underway to propose Phat Diem Church as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. The architecture of Phat Diem Cathedral

Phat Diem Stone Church is renowned for its unique blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles. The complex, arranged in a layout resembling the Chinese character “王” (Wang), features a pond at the front and mountains at the back. The complex includes a main church, five smaller churches (one entirely made of natural stone, known as the stone church), a bell tower, and three artificial grottoes.

2.1. Phuong Dinh

Phuong Dinh, or the “square house,” is an architectural highlight within Phat Diem Cathedral. This grand structure measures 24 meters in length, 25 meters in height, and 17 meters in width, built from large green stone blocks. 

Phuong Dinh

The history of Phat Diem Cathedral began in the 19th century (Source: Collected)

The three-story building features a spacious ground floor divided into three sections with stone platforms, a second floor housing a large drum, and a third floor with a nearly 2-ton bell cast in 1890. The roof has five arches that reflect traditional Vietnamese architecture, unlike the steep spires of Western churches. The outer walls have bamboo-shaped stone bars, and the lower walls are adorned with bas-reliefs depicting the life of Jesus.

2.2. Main church

Another highlight of Phat Diem Cathedral is the main church. This 74-meter long and 21-meter wide structure features intricately carved roofs and six rows of solid ironwood columns, with the central columns standing 11 meters tall and weighing 10 tons each. The main altar is a monolithic stone slab with floral carvings.

The main church blends Western and Vietnamese architecture, with a long nave and a traditional layout of 10 compartments. Its two-tiered roof, interrupted by windows, are typical of Vietnamese temples. The back of the main church has a granite structure forming five arched entrances, with a roof featuring traditional Vietnamese tiles and curved eaves.

Main church

The main church serves as a highlight within the Phat Diem Cathedral complex (Source: Collected)

2.3. Stone church

The stone church, also known as the Church of the Sacred Heart of Mary, measures 15.3 meters in length, 8.5 meters in width, and 6 meters in height. It was the first to be built in the complex. It was named the stone church because everything within it was made of stone, including the foundation, walls, columns, window bars, tower, and altar.

Inside, the church features many beautiful bas-reliefs, particularly the “Four Seasons” carvings of pine, apricot, chrysanthemum, and bamboo, symbolizing the unique beauty of each season. Other carvings of animals like lions and phoenixes are also vivid and lifelike.

2.4. Holy cribs

On each side of the main church, there are two adjacent smaller churches: the Church of Saint Peter, the Church of Saint Joseph, the Church of Saint Rocco, and the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Each church has a unique design, both in terms of exterior and interior.

To the north of Phat Diem Cathedral, there are three artificial grottoes made from variously sized stone blocks. Each grotto is adorned with large statues.

Phat Diem Cathedral is adorned with bright lights during Christmas

Phat Diem Cathedral is adorned with bright lights during Christmas (Source: Collected)

Read more: Things to do in Ninh Binh: Unveil 15 MOST exciting activities

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3. Guide for your trip to Phat Diem Cathedral in Ninh Binh

3.1. When is the best time to visit?

You can visit Phat Diem Cathedral Ninh Binh at any time of the year. However, this Catholic site is at its most vibrant during Christmas in Vietnam. This period is marked by the communal spirit of the parishioners, with numerous events and activities taking place. At Christmas, the cathedral is adorned with bright lights, creating a joyful and festive atmosphere.

3.2. How to get there?

Phat Diem Cathedral is located about 120 kilometers away from Hanoi, easily accessible with a two-hour drive. Visitors can reach the cathedral either by renting a motorbike or taking a taxi.

If you travel by motorbike, make your way to Ninh Binh via National Road 1A. Turn onto National Road 10, follow this road to Phat Diem town, and you will see the sign for the cathedral. Turn right and proceed for another 250 meters to reach the cathedral. Using Google Maps for directions is recommended.

Guide for trip to Phat Diem Cathedral

It is easy to get to Phat Diem Cathedral (Source: Collected)

3.3. What to note?

Here are some tips for exploring Phat Diem Cathedral:

  • Avoid making loud noise.
  • Dress modestly and avoid revealing clothes.
  • Have a respectful demeanor.
  • Wear comfortable shoes to easily explore the complex on foot.

Read more: North Vietnam itinerary: TOP places & tips for a memorable journey

Phat Diem Cathedral is truly an architectural gem of Ninh Binh, offering a unique blend of Eastern and Western design elements. Its rich history and spiritual ambiance have made it a must-see attraction for anyone exploring Ninh Binh.

After exploring Phat Diem Cathedral, you can visit nearby attractions such as Tam Coc – Bich Dong for a scenic tour.

Besides Ninh Binh, Vietnam travel offers a wealth of other destinations worth exploring, including Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Ha Long, Danang, etc.

For a complete travel experience in Vietnam, make sure to visit VinWonders. VinWonders stands as a premier system of entertainment complexes that captivate visitors with its immersive attractions. Each complex of VinWonders offers a diverse array of entertainment options, ranging from exhilarating games to captivating shows and interactive activities. 

For those seeking relaxation, the high-end hotels and resorts of Vinpearl in Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Hoi An provide unparalleled comfort. Nestled amidst breathtaking natural surroundings, these accommodations offer a tranquil retreat for guests to unwind.

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