An architectural symbol of French colonial power, Notre Dame Cathedral (Vietnamese: Nha tho Duc Ba) is a Saigon landmark and the most important church in the city.
Officially known as Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Notre Dame sits on Cong xa Paris square (also home to the historic Saigon Central Post Office), traffic circling around it like a protective moat. Designed by Parisian architect Jules Bourard, construction began in 1877 and took three years to complete to the tune of more than 2.5 million francs, an extravagant sum at the time.
Plenty of breathing space. For now. Photo: Cindy Fan
It featured high-quality materials made in France including the distinctive red brick, roof tiles and 56 stained glass windows. Six bronze bells, also cast in France, and the striking spires on top of the bell towers were added in 1879, bringing it to ... Travelfish members only (Full text is around 800 words.)
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