Situated in Paris Square, district 1, Notre Dam Cathedral is one of the few remaining strongholds of Catholicism in Vietnam and an unique iconic of Saigon.
According to the writings of Vietnamese historians, Christianity was first introduced to Vietnam in the 16th century and played an important role in Vietnamese society and religion since the 19th century when Vietnam was under control of French colonialists as a part of Indochina Union.
One of the most religious iconic of Christianity during this time is Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica. The church was constructed between 1863 and 1880 as a community and religious services for French colonialists.
It has two giant bell towers with a height of 58 meters (190 feet) – a distinct feature of neo-Romanesque reaching. The church ornated stained glass windows, and a red brick facade that fascinated locals during its construction. The bricks were imported from Marseilles and were incredibly unique during that time period. In 1962, the Vatican conferred the Cathedral status as a basilica and gave it the official name of Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and it still serves as a religious institution to Catholics in Ho Chi Minh City.
Outside Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, it stands a majestic four-meter-tall statue of the Virgin Mary that was added in 1959
Nowadays, Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica has been one of must-visit tourist attractions and an iconic of Ho Chi Minh City. The church hosts drozens of new tourists every day who come to marvel at its colonial grandeur.
