These beautiful Roman Catholic churches in the City of Flowers, Da Lat and the coastal city of Nha Trang, with their distinctive architectural styles can be appreciated by persons of any faith. These churches are popular tourist attractions as well as serving as places for religious devotions.
Da Lat is a two-hour drive from Nha Trang which has an international airport. Da Lat is also known as the City of Flowers.
Domaine de Marie Church or Pink Church of Da Lat
The Domaine de Marie Church, also known as the Pink Church, is a charming Roman Catholic church picturesquely situated on a green hill. The Pink Church impressed me deeply with Its French colonial architecture using pink limestone, thus its nickname. The gorgeous gardens and flowers adorning every corner of the church are an absolute delight. The outdoor prayer areas provide serene space for contemplation and devotion.
The church’s main building is triangular; on the peak of the roof is a small cross. In the centre of the façade is a circular rose window. Built in the 1940s, the church’s red-tiled sloping roof incorporates the ethnic elements typical of Vietnam’s Central Highlands. It is often remarked that the church ignores many of the strictures of European religious architecture. For example, it has no bell tower or steeple.
On a 12-hectare campus surrounded by pines, the Domaine de Marie cluster includes a chapel and two convents that come with beautiful gardens, making it a popular photographic spot.
St. Nicola Bari Cathedral or the Chicken Church of Da Lat
Da Lat Cathedral or St. Nicola Bari Cathedral is also a famous example of French colonial architecture and it is the largest Catholic building in Da Lat. The inside of the church is typically closed to tourists outside of service hours to maintain a quiet atmosphere for prayer. If you want to view the interior, do check the schedule for mass.
The name “Chicken Church” comes from the 66-centimetre-tall bronze rooster resting on top of its central cross or steeple. The rooster doubles as a wind direction indicator and a lightning rod. For that reason, many local people gave it the cute nickname.
Christ the King Cathedral or Mountain Church in Nha Trang
Christ the King Cathedral is also named the Mountain Church because it is located on the top of a hill. The cathedral is said to have been built in 1933 and is known as a gothic masterpiece.
One of its most striking features is its towering bell tower which is equipped with a large clock featuring four faces, allowing residents and visitors to tell the time from various vantage points around the city. The cathedral also has beautiful stained glass windows, including a central rose window adorned with floral motifs.
For additional reading
You may also read about the famous Stone Cathedral in Ninh Binh in northern Vietnam.
