Notre Dame Cathedral has been called both Ho Chi Minh City's calling card and a piece of Paris in Asia, as well as the city's main architectural landmark. It is located in the quiet centre, opposite the central post office.
The cathedral began construction almost immediately after the French colonisation of Indochina began. The colonial administration wanted to build a masterpiece that could outshine Buddhist temples and impress the dissenting local population. The project of architect J. Bour allowed to harmonise the copy of the famous French Notre Dame de Paris into the style of the South Asian city. All building materials, including stained glass windows, red Marseille bricks and two forty-metre bell towers, were brought from France. The cathedral was also built by French builders. The quality of the materials and work is evidenced by the fact that in the humid climate the brickwork not only survived, but did not even change colour.
There is an opinion that the cathedral was erected for six years. But it is historically confirmed that the first stone for the construction was laid by Bishop Lafèvre in March 1863. If we consider this the date of the beginning of construction, then the erection of the temple lasted 17 years. It was originally called the Cathedral of Our Lady of Saigon. In 1959, the then bishop gave it the name Notre Dame. In 1962, the temple was anointed by the Pope as the main cathedral of Saigon.
The cathedral's domed bell towers are over 60 metres high. In front of the temple stands a four-metre high sculpture of the Virgin Mary with a small globe in her hands. At her feet is a box where you can put your prayers. In 2005, the statue began to thaw and became a religious pilgrimage site.
The modest interior of the externally majestic cathedral is decorated with a white marble altar and carved figures of angels. A special atmosphere is given by the lighting. Stained glass windows from Chartres, imported in the nineteenth century, make the sunlight fabulous. Six bronze bells were brought and installed in 1895. Each rings alternately in the morning and evening on weekdays, three bells ring at weekends, and all six ring only on Catholic Christmas Day..
It is a very spirited place, as well as photogenic, a favourite with honeymooners and tourists.
