Hanoi Cathedral is the oldest church in the city. It was built on the initiative of the French missionary Paul-François Puginier. This vicar appointed by the Holy See, with the permission of the French colonial administration, began the erection of the church in 1886. The site was chosen near the confluence of two rivers, where in the eleventh century there was a Buddhist shrine, the pagoda Bao Thien, destroyed by time.
The building was constructed of stone and brick faced with granite. In imitation of Saigon Cathedral, the architectural style chosen was neo-Gothic - with two square tall bell towers and arched windows. The cathedral is therefore reminiscent of the legendary Notre Dame in Paris. The interior is decorated in the traditions of medieval European churches. The nave vaults and walls are decorated with wooden carvings with gilding. The stained glass on the arrow-shaped window arches was brought from France. Each of the two towers was equipped with five bells. A tribute to local customs, a statue of the Virgin Mary was placed in the left side of the nave.
Built in two years, the church was opened in time for the Christmas holidays. It was consecrated as the cathedral of St Joseph. For a long time it was Hanoi's main Catholic church. After the liberation of Vietnam, the Catholic Church was persecuted and the cathedral was closed. It was reopened in 1990 - also in time for Christmas mass.
Today the cathedral is an active cathedral. Externally, it already differs from the one built at the end of the XIX century - the stones have darkened from time and industrial air pollution. But the interior decoration is still beautiful. It is made in national motifs, where red and yellow colours dominate.
Masses are attended by a huge number of believers, which do not fit in the church, especially at Christmas. On weekdays, however, you can quietly explore this architectural monument.
