Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon sits on Công xã Paris. This Catholic cathedral is in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Locals know its official name as the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The cathedral stands prominently in Paris Commune Square. It sits directly opposite the Saigon Central Post Office.

French architect J. Bourard designed this iconic structure. Construction began on October 7, 1877. Workers completed the cathedral, and it opened on April 11, 1880. All original building materials arrived from France. The exterior walls showcase distinctive red bricks. These bricks came from Marseille and retain their original color naturally.

The cathedral’s design blends Neo-Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The structure measures 93 meters long. It also spans 35 meters wide. Its main dome reaches 21 meters high. In 1895, architect Gardes added two bell towers. The towers elevated the cathedral’s total height to 60.5 meters. Six bronze bells hang inside these two towers. A granite statue of Our Lady of Peace stands before the cathedral. Workers installed it in 1959.

The Vatican granted the cathedral basilica status in 1962. It remains an active worship place for the local Catholic community. The cathedral is currently undergoing a major restoration. During this period, interior access for general tourism is closed. The church remains open for people attending daily mass services.