Chau Son Abbey, located in Ninh Binh, boasts European-style architecture and has stood for nearly a century. Join BDATrip in exploring this wonderful destination, known as "Europe in the heart of Ninh Binh."
Chau Son Abbey in Ninh Binh, also known as Chau Son Monastery, Chau Son Church, or Brick Church, is a sacred place of the Cistercian Order, where monks retreat for contemplation.
Brother Thuy, the caretaker of the Fatima Prayer Garden at Chau Son Abbey, shared that the building was constructed from 1939 to 1945 in the French Gothic architectural style. Notably, the church's vaulted ceiling does not use reinforced concrete but is uniquely constructed from a combination of molasses, sugarcane bagasse, and bamboo, creating a unique and sustainable structure.
Despite over 77 years, the architectural details and characteristics of the church remain almost intact. The only difference is the red tiled roof, which was restored in 2014. The Holy Mother Chau Son Abbey is one of four churches in Vietnam consecrated in 1945, along with Notre Dame Cathedral, Hanoi Cathedral, and Phu Nhai Church.
The Holy Mother Chau Son Abbey is open all day, every day of the week. However, to have the best experience, visitors should visit during the following hours:
These hours are chosen to avoid interfering with the prayer times of the Fathers in the sanctuary, ensuring the tranquility and solemnity of the monastery space.
During Lent - the 40 days before Easter each year, the Holy Mother Chau Son Abbey does not welcome visitors, allowing the monks time for retreat and contemplation. Therefore, visitors should note this time when planning their visit to fully enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Abbey.
Father Placido Truong Minh Trach, a young monk without formal architectural training, along with his disciples, built the Abbey with the purpose of focusing on contemplation. The architecture of the Abbey resembles an ancient castle hidden in a lush forest, creating a mysterious and serene setting.
The Abbey's sanctuary is designed in the Gothic style, with a length of 64 meters, a width of 20 meters, and a height of 21 meters. This special architecture is built in an East-West orientation, with the front facing East, symbolizing a turning towards Christ. This design not only honors the beauty of the sanctuary but also holds deep spiritual significance.
The sanctuary's walls are delicately decorated with harmoniously arranged windows on two levels, upper and lower. The windows inside the sanctuary are made from luxurious wooden glass, creating a cozy and elegant atmosphere. The outside windows are adorned with "openwork" carvings depicting images of Saints and Jesus, adding exquisite beauty and religious significance.
Upon entering the sanctuary, natural light from the large windows floods in, illuminating the spacious aisles. Thanks to this light, the columns' intricate designs stand out, enhancing the sanctuary's majestic and ethereal ambiance. The white vaulted ceiling, considered the pinnacle of interior architectural art, features unique bas-reliefs. These bas-reliefs symbolize the Holy Trinity, the Virgin Mary, and the Saints, creating a perfect architectural whole that is both solemn and sacred.
Each detail in the sanctuary is meticulously cared for, from natural light highlighting the interior architecture to religious art pieces. All contribute to creating a sacred space filled with inspiration and reverence, helping the faithful deeply feel their faith and closeness to God.
The Abbey grounds are a vast space adorned with hundreds of types of colorful plants and flowers, all artistically tended and trimmed. Upon entering the grounds, visitors will immediately feel the harmonious beauty and meticulous design in every detail. Lush gardens, green lawns, exquisite sculptures, and statues of Saints are arranged thoughtfully, creating a vibrant and peaceful living picture.
Around the Sanctuary is a spacious area with the Fatima Garden - a green corner with sprawling meadows and a clear blue pond. The garden is decorated with stones from the South and an artificial stone egg field, creating a unique and attractive landscape. The Fatima Garden is not only a place for relaxation but also a beautiful highlight in the Abbey grounds.
Additionally, the Abbey grounds feature other unique spots such as Jacob's Well, a stone well deep underground, evoking a mysterious and ancient feeling. Behind the Holy Mother Chau Son Abbey is a rock cave called Calvary Hill, a sacred place reminiscent of Biblical stories. The presence of these structures creates a solemn and tranquil environment, ideal for contemplation and meditation.
Every detail in the Abbey grounds is carefully attended to, from small flowers to large architectural structures. All contribute to creating a peaceful environment where everyone can find peace of mind, feel their faith deeply, and connect with nature. This space not only attracts visitors but also serves as an ideal place for those seeking a quiet spot for meditation and connection with God.
As a place of monastic practice and prayer, visitors are only allowed to visit after prayer hours. To have a complete trip, you should follow and adhere to the Abbey's opening hours. This will help you plan better and avoid unsuitable times.
Additionally, Chau Son Abbey does not open for visitors during special periods such as early August, March, or Lent. These periods may be related to religious holidays or special events held here. Knowing this information will help you avoid unwanted inconveniences.
When visiting Chau Son Abbey, there are some basic rules you need to follow to maintain respect and order in this sacred space:
With the information BDATrip provides, we hope you have grasped the necessary details about Chau Son Abbey. We wish you a complete trip and memorable experiences on your travel journey.
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