Phat Diem Stone Cathedral
Phat Diem Stone Cathedral is one of the most famous and beautiful churches in Vietnam with special architecture: an elegant combination between Western church architecture style and Vietnamese religious buildings.
Location & History
Phat Diem Cathedral, located in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, took 24 years to construct, from 1875 to 1898. As its name suggests, the cathedral was entirely built from locally sourced stone and wood, reflecting the rich natural resources of the Ninh Binh region. The initial phase, which involved extracting materials from the limestone mountains, spanned nearly a decade.
Photo: guide.cmego.comWhat to see and do
Phat Diem Cathedral complex includes a picturesque lake, the main cathedral, a stone church, Phuong Dinh (the bell house), and three artificial grottoes. Upon arrival, visitors are often captivated by the square lake leading to the cathedral. At the center of this lake stands a small island featuring a statue of Jesus Christ. Phuong Dinh draws attention with its intricately stone-carved walls and impressive dimensions: 25 meters high, 17 meters wide, and 24 meters long, encompassing three stories. The first floor is adorned with large green flagstones.
Photo: vina.vnThe middle and upper floors house a large drum and an impressive bell, respectively. After visiting Phuong Dinh, guests will notice the grand cathedral originally built in 1891, known officially as “Nha tho Duc Me Man Coi.” This historic structure measures 74 meters in length, 21 meters in width, and 15 meters in height, and features four roofs constructed from six rows of solid ironwood. Inside, there are four smaller churches, each showcasing different architectural styles. Adjacent to the main cathedral lies the stone church, formerly titled “Nha Tho Trai tim Vo Nhiem Nguyen Toi Duc Me,” but commonly known as the "Stone Church" today. Every aspect of this church, from the walls to the pillars, and even tie beams, is crafted from stone, embellished with intricately carved reliefs representing chrysanthemums, bamboo, fir trees, and apricot trees that symbolize the four seasons.
Surrounding the Phat Diem Cathedral complex are several stunning stone caves and artificial mountains, adding to the site's natural beauty and architectural marvel.
With its artistic design and skilled craftsmanship, Phat Diem Cathedral remains a source of pride for the local people of Ninh Binh, drawing visitors from around the world.
Useful Information
- Location: Phat Diem Stone Cathedral
- Best for: Family, couple, solo
- Entrance: Free
- Hours: 9AM-5PM
- Distance to city center: 0.7km (0.4 mi)
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