Saint Joseph Cathedral
Saint Joseph Cathedral, located at 40 Nha Chung street, Hanoi, is a Roman Catholic cathedral with neo- gothic style, which was built about 120 years ago.
History and Architecture
In 1882, following the French army's conquest of Hanoi, the construction of St. Joseph's Cathedral began, culminating in its completion in 1886. This iconic structure and the surrounding Nha Chung area were established on land that once belonged to the Bao Thien Pagoda, which was built during the Ly Dynasty.
Photo by @vladimirzhogaThe cathedral's architecture features domes in the Gothic style, reminiscent of the design of Paris' Notre-Dame Cathedral. Measuring 64.5 meters in length and 20.5 meters in width, the structure includes two bell towers that reach a height of 31.5 meters. While the facade showcases Western influences through its doors, colorful stained-glass windows, and religious paintings, the interior embodies a Vietnamese aesthetic with predominant colors of yellow and red. In front of the cathedral stands a statue of the Virgin Mary.
The tree-lined boulevard leading to the church - Photo: Instagram @art_of_moment_hyer02
Christmas Celebration
The first Christmas celebration at the cathedral occurred in 1887, and since then, the venue has welcomed numerous visitors, both Christians and non-Christians, creating a vibrant atmosphere during weekends and major religious holidays such as Christmas.
Visitor Information
Currently, the area surrounding St. Joseph's Cathedral, thanks to its beautiful architecture and central location, is a bustling hub where locals and tourists alike gather to socialize over drinks, enjoy conversations, and people-watch.
photo by @whereinhanoi
The intersection of Nha Tho and Nha Chung Streets has transformed into a popular "Lemon Tea" and coffee spot, frequented by Hanoi’s youth. The area features charming souvenir shops and Western-style restaurants. It serves as a sacred venue for Christian couples celebrating weddings, as well as a picturesque location for non-religious couples to capture stunning wedding photography.
How to Get There
To reach St. Joseph's Cathedral from Hoan Kiem Lake, make your way to Hang Gai Street and continue until you reach Ly Quoc Su Street on your left. Proceed past Ly Quoc Su to arrive at Nha Chung, where the cathedral connects these two streets.
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Useful Information
- Location: Saint Joseph Cathedral Hanoi
- Best for: Family, couple, solo
- Entrance: Free
- Hours: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Distance to city center: 1.5km (0.9 mi)
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