Introduction
Due to its unique features, Phat Diem Cathedral Ninh Binh has written its name on the travel map of Ninh Binh, Vietnam. This 150-year-old architectural masterpiece boasts an extensive complex of Catholic churches. Most strikingly, the combination of Catholic and ancient Vietnamese elements makes Phat Diem Stone Cathedral an intriguing tourist spot.
So, where is it? What is special about this place? Let’s learn all about its distinctive structure, hidden significance, and related travel information with Ninh Binh Private Car via this article.
Phat Diem Church Location
Address: 75 Phat Diem Dong Street, Phat Diem Town, Kim Son District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam
Phat Diem Cathedral map preview:
Phat Diem Church is situated in Kim Son District, which is roughly 30 kilometers (19 miles) away from Ninh Binh city center. It stands on 22-hectare land surrounded by small urban streets. Tourists can easily find this location by following Google Maps.
After visiting Phat Diem Stone Church Ninh Binh, you might want to see other tourist destinations in Vietnam. In that case, you should consider our Ninh Binh private transfers, such as:
- Luxury Car Ninh Binh To Moc Chau – 145 USD/car
- Luxury Car Ninh Binh To Sapa – 250 USD/car
- Ninh Binh To Hai Duong Car Transfer – 84 USD/car
- Ninh Binh To Dong Hoi By Car – 208 USD/car
Phat Diem Cathedral Entrance Fee & Time
Entrance ticket: No (It’s free for tourists to visit Phat Diem Cathedral and attend its masses.)
Phat Diem Cathedral opening hours: 6:30 AM–6:30 PM, every day from Monday to Sunday
Telephone number: 02293862058
Phat Diem Cathedral mass times:
| Days of the week | Summer | Winter | ||
| Morning | Afternoon | Morning | Afternoon | |
| Monday–Wednesday & Friday | 4:45 | 5:30 | 5:00 | 5:00 |
| Thursday & Saturday | 4:45 | 6:00 | 5:00 | 6:00 |
| Sunday | 5:00 & 7:30 | 4:30 & 7:00 | 5:00 & 8:00 | 4:30 & 7:00 |
| Holy mass in English for tourists at 10:00 AM (at St. Joseph Chapel) | ||||
Phat Diem Cathedral Ninh Binh History
Having existed for over a century, Phat Diem Cathedral Vietnam possesses a significant historical value.
When it comes to Phat Diem Church’s history, we must mention priest Peter Trần Lục (1825–1899). He was the founder and architect of this Catholic project.
His project started in 1862 when he studied and examined all the lands over Ninh Binh. Finally, he made up his mind and sought materials in 1865. 10 years later, in 1875, the cathedral began to be erected.
The builders put a lot of effort into this project, especially when they transferred massive amounts of stone and wood from other cities to Ninh Binh. In 1898, it went into operation after 23 years. However, it took 34 years to finish all the construction, as it is today.
Moreover, in 1988, this religious center was recognized as a national historical-cultural heritage site, 90 years after its founding.
150 years have passed since its very first brick. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phat Diem is currently the oldest Catholic cathedral in Vietnam.
What Is Special About Phat Diem Stone Cathedral?
Besides the long-standing history mentioned above, the impressive architectural arts and sacred vibes are highlights of Phat Diem Cathedral Ninh Binh.
Its structure was cleverly blended between Catholic and Vietnamese/Buddhist elements, creating an exclusive outlook. More interestingly, the founder’s aim for this blend is to show the solidarity among Catholicism, the nation, and other religions.
In terms of scale, this 22-ha complex is 117 meters wide and 243 meters long. It includes numerous Catholic constructions, such as the main church, side churches, the bell tower, stone grottoes, and lakes.
Moreover, holidaymakers to the Diocese of Phat Diem can admire the captivatingly vintage architecture. Its main materials are natural stone and wood. So its structure is solid and eco-friendly, like an idyllic Vietnam countryside.
Although Catholic elements remain here and there, you won’t see colossal Gothic buildings or towering domes. Instead, Phat Diem Cathedral is loyal to traditional features easily seen in pagodas or temples in Vietnam. All of the details are meticulous and sophisticated.
Indeed, building placement in Phat Diem Stone Cathedral Complex forms the Chinese character 王 (King). Also, everything is arranged well, giving off a historic vibe and imbued with Vietnamese conventional architecture.
Furthermore, the Feng Shui elements appear perfectly. It ensures the elements of water (lakes) in the front and earth (mountains) at the back. This arrangement is believed to bring blessings and goodness.
What To See In Phat Diem Cathedral?
The Complex Of 6 Churches
Basically, Phat Diem Cathedral Ninh Binh has a major church and 5 side churches. Tourists can embrace the cathedral’s concept thoroughly by visiting these places.
First, the major church boasts 4 roofs and 5 entrances under stone well-carved domes. Its sizes are 74 meters long, 21 meters wide, and 15 meters high. Moreover, it has 48 pillars made out of monolithic ordeal tree wood.
Also, in the middle, you will find a large altar adorned well with bloom carvings. On two sides, there are four smaller chapels with distinct features and harmonious arrangements. In particular, they are:
- Church of the Heart of Jesus (1889) facing northeast;
- Church of St. Rocco (1895) facing southeast;
- Church of St. Joseph (1896) facing southwest;
- Church of St. Peter (1896) facing northwest.
The Stone Church
Among the 5 side churches in the Phat Diem Cathedral Complex, there is a special one called “Trái tim Đức Mẹ,” or “the Heart of Our Lady” in English.
It was constructed in 1883 at a length of 15 meters, a width of 8,5 meters, and a height of 6 meters. Most especially, its material is purely natural monoliths. Therefore, its other name is “stone church.”
Moreover, Trai Tim Duc Me stone church boasts various stunning reliefs inside. On the contrary to the rustic rocky exterior, its interior strikes a greater impression. Visitors will see the matching fusion of delicate hues and Vietnamese-Western structures.
Furthermore, when looking more closely, you can enjoy elaborate carvings of Vietnam’s famous quartets—Long-Lân-Quy-Phụng (Dragon-Unicorn-Tortoise-Phoenix) or tùng-cúc-trúc-mai (pine-daisy-bamboo-apricot). Also, the lotus, a common symbol in Vietnamese Buddhism, is depicted.
Phuong Dinh – Bell Tower
Furthermore, visitors to Phat Diem Cathedral Ninh Binh cannot miss out on its peak construction—Phương Đình, or the bell tower. It stands tall, boxy, and imposing amid the stone church complex.
Phương Đình Tower was made of numerous massive natural stones. This tower is 21 meters wide, 17 meters deep, and 3 floors high. Inside the tower, you can find 5 blocks and a 2-ton, 1.9-meter-high bell. Most interestingly, this bell can echo up to 10 kilometers away.
Such admirable features make this bell tower a real spotlight among other constructions of Phat Diem Church.
Stone Grottoes
Finally, tourists can find three artificial stone grottoes in the north of Phat Diem Church. They’re about 100 meters apart from one another. These grottoes are made of large and small blocks of stone that retain their natural appearance. Also, there are large statues in the cave grottoes. In particular, they are:
- Núi Sinh Nhật (Birthday Mountain): Its original name was Núi Táng Xác, built in 1875. It was also the first construction on a large scale to test the subsidence of newly deposited soil. In 1954, it was renamed Birthday Mountain, or Bethlehem Grotto, as it is today.
- Núi Lộ Đức (Lo Duc Mountain): Its original name is Gethsemane Garden (transliterated from Gethsemane). It was built in 1896 and renamed Lo Duc Grotto/Mountain in 1925.
- Núi Sọ (Skull Mountain): It was built in 1898, originally called Bethlehem Grotto. In 1957, a statue of the crucified Jesus was placed, hence the name Skull Mountain.
Christmas: The Best Time To Visit Phat Diem Cathedral
In general, Ninh Binh’s climate is favorable all year round. Therefore, there wouldn’t be many hassles related to the weather when tourists visit Phat Diem Cathedral Ninh Binh. You can come anytime.
However, if you want to embrace the deepest vibes of Ninh Binh Catholic Church, you ought to see it during Christmas time. Around Christmas, the stone cathedral will immerse itself in colorful decorations, shimmering pine trees, and a festive ambiance. Moreover, you can join intriguing programs or events held by local laities.
Notes For Visitors To Phat Diem Cathedral
- Phat Diem Cathedral Ninh Binh is a holy religious place. Thus, visitors shouldn’t make loud noises or run around.
- Phat Diem Church dress code: polite clothes without too many body parts revealed.
- We suggest wearing sports shoes, T-shirts, and knee-covered pants to easily move around and not violate the dress code.
- When visiting the cathedral, tourists will move around a lot outdoors. So, we recommend applying sunscreen, wearing a hat (or umbrella if it rains), and bringing water bottles.
Conclusion
Phat Diem Cathedral Ninh Binh is outstanding enough to list its name on the bucket list of many visitors to Ninh Binh. Over a century, this masterpiece has still maintained its incredible architecture, creating a vintage and holy ambiance.
Therefore, many consider Phat Diem Stone Church Vietnam’s most beautiful Catholic complex. Sometimes, it’s also referred to as “Vietnam’s Catholic Capital.”
Via this article, Ninh Binh Private Car hopes that tourists find helpful information for their upcoming visits to Ninh Binh and Phat Diem Church. Thanks for reading.