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Are you seeking a destination in Hanoi that embodies both spiritual significance and cultural value? Join BDATrip in exploring Ham Long Church, from its location and history to architectural features, fascinating aspects of your visit, and useful touring tips!
Situated at 21 Ham Long, Phan Chu Trinh ward, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi, Ham Long Church is a prominent destination in the heart of the capital. Belonging to the Ham Long Parish, this structure is not only a religious symbol but also an architectural masterpiece, particularly outstanding in the region. Positioned in a prime location near Hoan Kiem Lake, the Grand Theater, Old Quarter, and Ho Chi Minh Museum, the church attracts numerous domestic and international tourists with its beauty and historical significance. It's not just a place for sacred worship but also a fascinating tourist spot, reflecting the harmonious blend of culture and spirituality.
Established in 1934, Ham Long Parish was profoundly influenced by Father Paul Nguyen Van Binh, the first Vietnamese priest ordained as a bishop by Pope Pius XI in 1933. He was not only the founder but also the soul of Ham Long Church, contributing significantly to the development of education, culture, and religion in Vietnam.
Designed by French architect Cucherousset, the construction of church began in 1934 and was completed on December 24, 1937. Named after the street it resides on, "Ham Long" - stemming from a dragon legend, the church stands out with its architectural beauty and solemnity.
Despite historical upheavals, Ham Long Church has maintained its beauty and sacred atmosphere. Having undergone several renovations, the most recent in 2012, the church now serves as a place of worship for about 4000 parishioners and an ideal destination for those interested in exploring culture and architecture.
With a mix of Gothic and Roman styles, Ham Long Church stands out in its grounds. The cross-shaped church, with a length of 65m, a width of 20m, and a height of 17m, creates a vast and impressive space. Notably, the two 31m-high bell towers, adorned with intricate and sophisticated patterns, dominate the skyline. Each tower is capped with a saint's statue, representing significant historical religious figures.
Inside, the church's solemn and majestic space comes to life. The structure includes a main aisle and two side aisles, separated by towering, robust columns. The arched ceiling, soaring high, gives a sense of spaciousness and openness. The large stained glass windows create diverse, sparkling, and vibrant light effects. Additionally, the church houses numerous art works, paintings, and sculptures, embodying the Catholic style.
The most prominent feature is the main altar, made of precious wood, shaped like a large boat. The altar, adorned with images of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, Vietnamese martyrs, and other saints, is a fine example of intricate wood carving, showcasing the skill and creativity of the artisans.
Ham Long Church is not just an architectural masterpiece but also a symbol of the deep Catholic culture and belief of the Hanoi community. It's an ideal place to explore the rituals, festivals, customs, and practices of the local Catholic community. Visitors will witness the vibrant and passionate community activities, from youth groups to choirs and more.
The Christmas festival at church is a special and noteworthy annual event. During this time, the church is splendidly decorated with Christmas trees, lanterns, flower lights, and Nativity scenes, creating a mystical and warm atmosphere. Various artistic activities, singing, dancing, and plays are organized, attracting all ages. The highlight is the Christmas Eve Mass on December 24, gathering thousands of parishioners and tourists, offering a warm and bustling Christmas experience, reflecting Hanoi's community spirit and deep faith during the festive season.
For photography enthusiasts, church is an unmissable destination. It offers a range of unique and attractive photo spots, from exterior to interior architecture, and from high angles to low-angle scenes. Explore the ancient stone walls, glittering stained glass windows, tall columns, and impressive artworks. Don't miss the everyday scenery around the church, like lush trees, peaceful streets, cozy cafes, and characteristic street vendors.
Here are some tips for photographing at Ham Long Church:
- Choose early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh sunlight and crowds.
- Opt for attire that matches the traditional and solemn style of the church, such as Ao Dai, light dresses, shirts, or trousers.
- Respect the sacred space and parish community, avoid taking photos during solemn ceremonies, and do not create noise or inappropriate images.
- Use accessories like umbrellas, hats, glasses, flowers, books... to add highlights to your photos, creating unique and meaningful artistic works.
Ham Long Church welcomes visitors from 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. every day. To experience the atmosphere of the mass with the local parish, you can visit the church at these specific times:
- From Monday to Saturday: Two masses are held at 5:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- On Sundays: Masses are organized at 5 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8 p.m.
- On major holidays: Additional masses are held at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
There are various flexible transportation options to reach Ham Long Church, including motorbikes, cars, buses, bicycles, or walking. Here are some options for your convenience:
- For motorbikes and cars, parking is available at the church's front parking area or at nearby parking lots such as the Grand Theater or the Soviet-Vietnamese Cultural Palace.
- For bus travel, you can choose routes like 09, 18, 23, 34, 40... and alight at stops near the church like the Grand Theater, Central Eye Hospital, Tran Hung Dao Post Office.
- If you prefer cycling or walking, follow routes like Tran Hung Dao, Ly Thuong Kiet, Hang Bai, Hang Khay, and then turn into Ham Long Street.
Exploring the area around Ham Long Church, you will find many other attractive tourist spots, including:
- Hanoi Opera House: A historical architectural work with French architectural style, famous as a venue for top-tier artistic events.
- Hoan Kiem Lake: A symbol of Hanoi, this location entices tourists with its green spaces, temples, bridges, and enchanting legends.
- Hanoi Old Quarter: This area offers a vibrant picture of Vietnam's history and culture, with bustling streets, unique shops, and distinctive cuisine.
- Ho Chi Minh Museum: An important historical site, displaying numerous artifacts and detailed information about the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh.
After exploring Ham Long Church, if you need to rest, there are several attractive accommodation options nearby:
- Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel: A luxurious choice just 1km from church. It offers comfortable rooms with city or lake views, restaurants, bars, swimming pools, a gym, spa, and more. Room rates range from 2.5 to 5 million VND/night.
- Meliá Hanoi Hotel: A 5-star hotel in the city center, about 1.5km from church. Spacious, luxurious rooms with city-view balconies, along with restaurants, bars, swimming pools, a gym, spa, casino. Room rates from 1.8 to 4 million VND/night.
- Hanoi La Siesta Central Hotel & Spa: A 4-star hotel in the Old Quarter, about 2km from the church. Cozy, attractive rooms with views of Hoan Kiem Lake, restaurants, bars, swimming pools, spa. Room rates from 1.2 to 2.5 million VND/night.
- Hanoi La Selva Hotel: A 3-star hotel in the Old Quarter, about 2km from church. Clean, comfortable rooms with views of Hoan Kiem Lake, restaurants, bars, spa. Room rates from 600 thousand to 1.2 million VND/night.
- Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel: An affordable option in the Old Quarter, about 2km from church. Simple, convenient rooms with personal lockers, restaurant, bar, rooftop, shared rooms. Room rates from 100 thousand to 300 thousand VND/night.
Ham Long Church is a unique and captivating destination in Hanoi, where you can experience the richness of culture, spirituality, and art. Plan your visit to this fascinating location and enjoy a meaningful trip!
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