|
 The distinctive feature of
Tan
Dinh
Church
is the Gothic and Roman architectural
style.
 A mass in the
Church.
 The designs and decorations inside in the
church.
|
Located on Hai Ba Trung Street in
Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Tan Dinh Church is one of the most
ancient and beautiful religious buildings in the city. Its construction
took six years (1870 - 1876).
The Church bears the Gothic, Roman and
Baroc architectural style. In 1929, the area of the Church was expanded
and a 52.60m-high tower was added. In December 1976 it was upgraded to
celebrate the 100th anniversary of the church’s construction.
The holly temple was heightened and the bell tower was repainted. With its
distinctive pink colour and white decorative designs, the Church stands
out against the blue sky.
Looking at
the front of the church, a main tower and two other small structures are
seen. On the peak of the tower is an octagon with a bronze cross standing
3m-high. In the main tower, there are five large bells weighting about 5.5
tonnes. In the two other structures are lamp towers with many air holes
and patterns that create a sense of firmness yet gracefulness. Two sides
are galleries with the dome topped with fish scale-shaped tiles and arches
adorned with decorative leaves, flowers and sophisticated refined statues
of angels.
The chancel in the Church is rather
large with two rows of Gothic styled pillars that lead to the main altar.
With its front, the two rows of pillars are evaluated to be most beautiful
and unique feature of the architectural work. On the left are statues of
female saints and on the right are statues of male saints. All the altars
in the chancel are made from precious marble imported from
Italy.
Tan
Dinh
Church
is not only a
valuable architectural work that is on the list of historical, cultural
and tourist addresses in the City, but also the worshipping place of
parishioners and the place where many charity activities are
held.

The distinctive feature of Tan
Dinh
Church
is the Gothic and Roman architectural style.
Story by
Thinh Phat - Photos by Kim Son, Quang Minh, Thinh
Phat