SAIGON NOTRE-DAME CATHEDRAL

The Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral (officially known as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception) is a prominent historical and religious landmark located in Ho Chi Minh City. Built during the French colonial period, the cathedral is a stunning example of Romanesque Revival architecture, inspired by the famous Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral.

Designed by a French architect, the structure features classic Romanesque elements such as pointed arches, ribbed vaults and flying buttresses. It boasts two 58-meter-tall bell towers which are among its most notable features and made it one of the tallest buildings in Ho Chi Minh City at the time of its construction. The cathedral’s large rose window and impressive stained-glass windows depict various religious scenes.

Over the centuries, through periods of construction and renovation, the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral has witnessed the city’s turbulent history and become a symbol of urban architecture in South Vietnam. Today, it continues to serve as a religious hub for roughly 6.2 million Catholics in the region, as well as a striking attraction for tourists. Currently, the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City is overseeing an extensive renovation project for the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral , scheduled to run from 2017 to 2027.