Overview:

is a neo-Romanesque cathedral built by the French in 1880 located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon). It was constructed to serve as the spiritual center for the growing French population. The Cathedral is one of Vietnam's most historical and iconic locations and is the only remaining example of French colonial religious architecture in the city. The Cathedral, which is dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, is home to many religious services and is visited by both Catholics and tourists. It has undergone a number of restorations over the years and is a popular tourist spot, with many attractions such as the Notre Dame Museum, which holds various religious artifacts and documents, and a well-stocked library. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Vietnam
Prominent Features:

1. The neo-Gothic design: Notre Dame Cathedral is an incredible example of neo-Gothic French architecture. The architecture was inspired by Gothic Revival architecture from France. 2. Large spire: The iconic spire of the cathedral is 73 meters high and is a dominant feature in the Ho Chi Minh City skyline. 3. Grand façade: The façade showcases three Gothic arches with elegant statues decorating the entrance. 4. Stained glass windows: The cathedral has vibrant stained glass windows that were donated by the French government in 1945 and have remained intact for the past 75 years. 5. Historical relics: Notre Dame Cathedral is home to several natural historical relics from Vietnam's French colonial past, including original bell cast by the French in 1878. 6. Number of statues: The cathedral is adorned with several impressive statues, including the main one of the Marianne that stands at the entrance, two big statues of the infant Jesus and Mary, and more. This national monument of Vietnam portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Notre Dame Cathedral (also known as Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon) is located in the city center of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and is one of the oldest Catholic churches in the city. It was built in the Gothic Revival style in 1877 under the orders of the Paris Foreign Missions Society. Originally named as the Church of Saigon, the construction of the cathedral was funded by the contributions of the people of Ho Chi Minh City and the support of the emperor of Vietnam. It is said that the people of Ho Chi Minh City wanted to create a church that would emulate the beauty of the Parisian Notre-Dame, hence the name Notre Dame Cathedral. After the fall of the French colony of Indochina, the church was renamed "Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral" in honor of the patrons of the church, the French de Notre Dame. After the unification of North and South Vietnam under the Communist government in 1975, the church was re-named once again as the "Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon". In 2008, the Vatican declared the cathedral a minor basilica, the first in the whole of Vietnam. This was followed by a historic visit from Pope Francis in November 2019, the first by a pope to Ho Chi Minh City. Today, Notre Dame Cathedral remains a major religious centre for the people of Ho Chi Minh City, and a major tourist attraction as well. It draws people of all faiths who come to admire its beauty, and pay homage to the faith and beliefs of its people. You must visit one of these historical places in Vietnam on your Vietnam tour

Interesting facts:

1. Notre Dame Cathedral is the oldest church in Ho Chi Minh City, having been built in the late 19th century. 2. Notre Dame Cathedral’s most striking features are the two 45-meter towers, which reach a height of 60 meters when including the crosses. 3. The basilica also houses the country’s largest organ. 4. The interior of the cathedral features a large white marble statue of Our Lady of Peace, while behind the altar stands an imposing crucifix and a handsome painting of the Last Supper. 5. Notre Dame Cathedral is widely associated with the Vietnam War, being the closest landmark to the war’s Tet Offensive. 6. On Easter Sunday in 1975, thousands of Ho Chi Minh City’s citizens crowded the steps of the cathedral excitedly awaiting the announcement of the North Vietnamese victory. Visit one of the famous monuments of Vietnam with your friends and family.