The Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hanoi is an active Catholic church in the Neo-Gothic style. The consecrated building stands in the old place – around the Bao Pagoda Thien, which has long been considered one of the main Buddhist shrines of the 11th century and was the main center of religious Vietnam before colonization. It is open to the public on weekdays, on Sundays – mainly for worship. The square in front of the cathedral is always accessible, so you can approach the building at any time.
History of creation
The Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hanoi was named after the patron saint of Vietnam. Construction work began in 1884, and it is one of the first structures to be built under the colonial government of French Indochina. The architectural style is reminiscent of Notre Dame Cathedral.
The oldest church in Hanoi was opened in 1886. After the Viet Minh took control of North Vietnam, and the Geneva Agreements of 1954 consolidated this position, a difficult time came for the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hanoi. The priests were arrested, and church property was confiscated. The building was closed until Christmas Eve 1990, when Mass was allowed to be held in this place again.
Short description
The main frame and exterior of the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hanoi is decorated in the Gothic Revival style. The architects specially made it look like Notre Dame Cathedral. This is noticeable by the 2 symmetrical square twin towers, pointed arches and stained glass windows.
The interior features elements reminiscent of the Baroque. We are talking about the rich, magnificent decoration, complex shapes of the Altar. The main focal point can be called the "Altar of Kings" with a height of 25 meters, which covers almost the entire vertical of the altar area. There are Vietnamese motifs in the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hanoi. The statue of the Virgin Mary is mounted in a palanquin, which is perceived as a reference to local traditions. Thus, the European Neo-Gothic base is complemented by decorative elements from other styles and local flavor.
How to get
St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi is located in Hoan Kiem district, which is also called the Old Quarter. To immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the tourist part of the capital of Vietnam, people come to this place by bicycle rickshaw. You can get there by public transport. You need to get off at the bus stop next to Hoan Kiem Lake and walk 10 minutes. Buses No. 1,2, 9,14, 36 will be suitable.
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