Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is the largest city in
Vietnam named after the late communist leader Ho Chi Minh, who led the
nation against both France and the U.S.A. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam has
been historically a political and administrative centre of Vietnam.
Today Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is a rapidly developing, dynamic, and
the economic capital of Vietnam. It is perhaps the heart and soul of
Vietnam.
Sai Gon
City is not only famous for entertainment destinations but also its
churches. These churches are attractive to many tourists to enjoy
Christmas night.
Most
churches in Saigon were built in the latter half of the 19th century.
They were a combination between the French architectural style and
Gothic style. Some churches were created to work as an emotional support
for the French government while some churches were religious works to
meet the spiritual needs of indigenous believers.
Duc Ba Church
In
fact, Duc Ba Church is the largest church in the city. It was completed
in 1880 and known as State Church because the French colonial
government spent money building. It was the place where official
ceremonies were hold and then was taken over to the diocese of Saigon.
At that time, Duc Ba Church was considered the largest church in the
French colonies. It was made of Marseille bricks, stained glass and
steel frames brought from France adding to Bien Hoa green stones. The
round windows based on the the Roman style along with arches based on
the Gothic style. They remind us great cathedrals in Paris, Chartres and
Reim.
Duc
Ba Church was absolutely no room for candles. It was fully illuminated
by electric lights after being built. The work was started on October
7th 1877 and inaugurated on November 11th 1880. The church was designed in France and guided by a French engineer named Bourad.
Huyen Sy Church
Huyen
Sy Church was built in a prototype of a small church in France. This
was one of rare works using used Bien Hoa granite material for its bases
and main columns. This stone is very hard so this church does not have
the traditional decorative details but it expresses wealth.
Huyen Sy Church’s architecture is the new Gothic style. Its main face
has arches, windows with sharp arches and some other special decoration.
It
walls has windows but allows a little light to radiate. Behind the
church, there are graves of Mrs Huyen Sy ( Le Phat Dat ) made from
marbles and two statues. Huyen Sy was the richest person at that time.
He had to spend money building the church, so this place was named
“Huyen Sy church”.
Cha Tam Church
Cha Tam Church known as Francis Xavier church in Cho Lon market was decorated as Chinese temples. On December 3rd
1900, St. Francis Xavier, Mossard Bishop and bishops of Saigon were
allowed to do put the first stone to build this church or Francis Xavier
church today.
On October 1st
1902, this church was inaugurated solemnly. After this church was
buitt, Tam Asson pastor ( Dam A To) also built a school, a foster home, a
boarding house and houses for rent. In 1934, Tam pastor died and was
buried at the entrance wall area of this church. Therefore, it was
called Cha Tam church. In 1990, its steeple and sanctuary are revised
refurbished.
Tan Dinh Church
Tan Dinh
Church is smaller than Duc Ba church. It is a place for Vietnamese
parish and a typical blend of architectural styles of French churches.
In fact, this church was built and expanded in several stages.
Inaugurated on December 16th 1876, Tan Dinh Church was one of the religious buildings built early in Saigon.
Located on a
bustling street, Tan Dinh church has a beautiful architecture from the
curved arches to the finely carved details. Every sunset, bells of this
church ring and white clouds float in the sky. All things create a
romantic and beautiful picture.
Cho Quan Church
Cho Quan Church architecture was based on Gothic style. It was built
over 100 years ago but it is majestic and the most massive building in
Cho Lon market. Cho Quan is one of the oldest parishes of the
Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City. The first chapel was built in 1674 in
there by parishioners coming from the northern and central. After this
church had been rebuilt several times, in 1887, Nicola Ham priest
started to construct a new church. This work was inaugurated on 4th
January in 1896 (lunar calendar) and has existed so far.
Post A Comment:
0 comments: