Bao Nham, a centuries old gothic church in central Vietnam

By Tuan Anh   June 29, 2024 | 10:00 pm PT
Bao Nham Church in Nghe An Province, some 290 kilometers from Hanoi, has Gothic architecture and a rich history of more than 100 years.
Bao Nham, a centuries old gothic church in central Vietnam

The church, in Bao Thanh Commune in Yen Thanh District, has a tiled roof and, remarkably, both its interior and exterior constructed entirely of stone.

It is not only a religious site but also a sightseeing destination that attracts many tourists.

Outside the main door is a large compound with greenery. The place sprawls over 7,000 square meters.

Nguyen The Linh, visiting from Vinh City at the end of May, was captivated by its beauty and unique architecture.

Bao Nham, a centuries old gothic church in central Vietnam

Father Nguyen Sy Huong, the parish priest, says the stone used to build the cathedral was quarried in the Lam Son Mountains in neighboring Thanh Hoa Province. The church took 16 years to build, and opened its doors in 1904.

Bao Nham, a centuries old gothic church in central Vietnam

The most prominent feature is a 28-meter bell tower. At the top of the tower is a weather cane with a rooster.

The tower has three bronze bells weighing 800 kilograms, 400 kg and 180 kg.

Bao Nham, a centuries old gothic church in central Vietnam

The interior of the church is dome shaped and Linh describes it as "simple, quiet and dignified."

The roof, made from large carved stone blocks, was assembled in stages to ensure durability and aesthetics. According to the priest, the cathedral can accommodate 1,500 faithful during ceremonies.

Bao Nham, a centuries old gothic church in central Vietnam

The stained glass windows inside the cathedral depict saints and apostles in vibrant colors. When sunlight shines through, the paintings become sparkling, creating a magical atmosphere inside.

The stone keeps the insides cool even in summer. Father Huong says the church is considered to have excellent acoustics.

Bao Nham, a centuries old gothic church in central Vietnam

The church is 37 meters long and 14 meters wide. The edges of the roof are adorned with 24 spires, each 2.5 meters high, with sculpted patterns.

Bao Nham, a centuries old gothic church in central Vietnam

Situated in the middle of the tranquil countryside, the stone church stands out from a distance.

Bao Nham, a centuries old gothic church in central Vietnam

Situated 200 meters away is the Bao Nham Rocky Mountain, another religious and sightseeing spot.

It has a blend of natural and artificial scenery along the way. At its 91st step is a cave that is six meters high and five meters wide and revered by locals as a place to worship the Virgin Mary.

Bao Nham, a centuries old gothic church in central Vietnam

From the top of the mountain, 40 meters up, one can get a panoramic view of Nghe An, with its rooftops and vast rice fields.

Except during mass, visitors can explore Bao Nham Church every day of the week. Its compound has many trees and lakes that make for pleasant viewing.

Visitors to Bao Nham can also explore other famous sites in Nghe An such as Thanh Chuong tea hill and Con Temple, considered the most sacred in the area.

Photos by Nguyen The Linh

 
 
go to top