Phat Diem Cathedral – a must-visit cathedral in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam, in addition to its charming natural scenery like a miniature Vietnam, is also famous for its long-standing historical architectural works such as pagodas, temples, communal houses or churches. Coming to Ninh Binh, there is an ancient church with a style combining European and Asian architecture called Phat Diem Cathedral. Are you curious about this cathedral? Let Smile Travel explore with you details about Phat Diem Cathedral through this article!

Tourists can visit some well-known destinations in Ninh Binh such as:

>> Cuc Phuong National Park in Ninh Binh

>> Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Ninh Binh

>> Discover Mua Cave in Ninh Binh

1. General introduction to Phat Diem Cathedral

Phat Diem Cathedral with its delicate interference between Buddhism and Catholicism is a famous church for a long time, located quietly in Phat Diem town, Kim Son district, Ninh Binh province, about 28km South from Ninh Binh city center.

Phat Diem Stone Cathedral Ninh Binh was started construction in 1875 by priest Peter named Tran Luc. After 23 years of construction, in 1898 the church was officially put into operation. The church has a total area of ​​​​up to 22ha, about 117m wide and 243m long.

 With an age of more than a hundred years, this Catholic capital has long become a destination attracting tourists with its ancient beauty. The church uses natural stone and wood materials to build, so it is extremely sturdy.

The architecture of the church includes 1 large church and 5 small churches, Phuong Dinh (Bell Tower), ponds and lakes and 3 artificial caves.

For specific architectural areas, please scroll down to learn more.

2. Transportations to get to Phat Diem Cathedral

Phat Diem Cathedral is about 125km from Hanoi city center, so if departing from Hanoi, it will take visitors about 2 hours and 30 minutes to travel.

If you like freedom and are passionate about traveling, you can use personal vehicles such as motorbikes or cars to get here. To avoid getting lost, we think you should use the Google maps application on your mobile phone to make sure you go the right way.

It is also possible to travel to the church by train or bus. If you take the train, you will go to Hanoi station to board the train straight to Ninh Binh station with prices from 103,000 VND. If you take a bus, you can go to Nuoc Ngam bus station or Giap Bat bus station to catch a bus to a specific point in Ninh Binh and then catch a taxi/motorbike taxi to the church. These two methods can take a lot of time and money, so you should consider them.

In addition, if you travel in a large group, we can assist you in booking a limousine/shuttle bus with full reputation and at a price suitable for your budget. Contact Smile Travel via hotline/ WhatsApp: (+84) 941776786 for advice.

3. Ideal time to visit Phat Diem Cathedral

 Visitors can visit Phat Diem Cathedral at any time of the year. The church welcomes visitors from 6:30 to 18:30 every day from Monday to Sunday and admission is free, so don’t hesitate to arrange a time to visit the church. 

Especially on some major holidays such as Christmas (December 25), Easter (last Sunday of March – early April) or Thanksgiving (Thursday of the 4th week – November) ,…the church is beautifully decorated and holds many interesting activities, you must definitely come and participate.

Refer to some Ninh Binh tours with Smile Travel below:

>> Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave 1 Day Tour From Hanoi

>> Tour in Hanoi – Hoa Lu Tam Coc 2 Days 1 Night

4. Let’s explore interesting works at Phat Diem Cathedral

4.1. Explore the Cathedral area

If it is your first time coming to Phat Diem Cathedral, visitors will certainly be surprised because you will see that Phat Diem Cathedral is not built according to the architecture of a church, but you will feel that this church has many resembles a pagoda with a tiled roof that curves up like the bow of a boat and details that resemble Vietnamese communal houses and pagodas.

The cathedral is located in a central location, 74m long and 21m wide with 4 roofs and 5 entrances carved extremely delicately. The large altar is located in the main room, designed from natural stone blocks and carved with patterns.

Besides, small churches are also uniquely designed with doors, walls, columns, etc. all carved from stone. The roof is designed in a stacked roof style, and in the middle is an intermittent window to let in light and create a curvature for the roof. All wooden altar objects are painted and gilded magnificently, just like ancient pagodas and royal palaces.

After visiting all 5 main churches, visitors will continue along the road to the bell tower, lake and 3 artificial caves. 

4.2. Visit Phuong Dinh (Bell Tower)

If from afar you see a building that looks like a village communal house with ancient colors and a curved tiled roof, then that is Phuong Dinh. Indeed, Phuong Dinh is an outstanding architectural work as well as the focal point of Phat Diem Cathedral.

Phuong Dinh means square house, it is shaped like a large bell tower, with a width of 21m, a pond of 25m, 3 floors high and square and majestic. The three-entrance gate of Phuong Dinh stands out in green stone, above the wall are sculptures of a number of saints and stories about Jesus Christ. On the top floor of Phuong Dinh there are 5 towers, in which the central tower has a bell weighing about 2 tons, each time the bell rings it can emit a sound up to 10km away.

4.3. Take photos and check-in at the Heart of Mary Church

The Church of the Heart of Mary is made entirely of stone, yet hearing the name makes it feel strangely warm. On the top of the church are placed crosses, below is a prominent statue of a mother standing in a standing position looking forward as if observing and protecting her children. Surely tourists should not miss this church when visiting Phat Diem Cathedral Ninh Binh.

5. Experience visiting Phat Diem Cathedral

• To have an interesting and complete visit and experience at Phat Diem Cathedral, visitors will need to pay attention to the following issues:
• Not only visiting Phat Diem Cathedral but any historical site, you also need to keep order and not make noise to avoid affecting people around you.
• The church does not have a dress code, but you should avoid wearing clothes that are too revealing or insensitive, but instead dress politely and discreetly or wear nice, simple clothes. You can take lots of photos here.
• The area of ​​Phat Diem Cathedral is quite large, so to have enough health to explore the entire church area, remember to bring filtered water, a hat or an umbrella to ensure the best health.
• On holidays there will be quite a few tourists, so please take care of your personal belongings.
• Phat Diem Cathedral always welcomes you even if you are not a Catholic. Many tourists come here not only to explore the beauty of the church but also for the peaceful, quiet space in the heart of the ancient capital.

Besides, Smile Travel always accompanies tourists on Vietnam package tours, Ha Long Bay cruise tours, wedding events on cruises, teambuilding,… with quality services and prices. both suitable. Contact us now for advice and support !

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