Saigon's Notre-Dame Cathedral crosses to be restored in Belgium

By Dinh Van   March 8, 2023 | 06:23 pm PT
Saigon's Notre-Dame Cathedral crosses to be restored in Belgium
A cross of the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is removed from a bell tower, March 6, 2023. Photo courtesy of the Archdiocese of HCMC
Two rusty giant crosses at the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica in Saigon will be sent to Belgium for restoration.

The Archdiocese of HCMC on Wednesday said the crosses, 127 years old and weighing 600 kg each, have been brought down from the bell towers, and would be sent to the Group Monument.

The restoration of the crosses is part of ongoing renovation work that began in 2017 at a cost of VND140 billion ($5.9 million).

It was expected to be completed this year, but has been delayed until 2027 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the fact that materials have to be imported from overseas.

The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica in District 1 was designed by French architect J.Bourard and built in 1877.

Hundreds of tourists groups visit it daily.

 
 
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