On 28th of March in 1863, priest Lefebvre laid the first stone for the construction of the cathedral. After 12 years, this wooden church was damaged by worms and mites. It’s rebuilt on 7th – October in 1877, and French Clergyman Colombert put the first stone.
The church was completed in the Easter season on 11 of April in 1880, attended by southern Governor Le Myre de Vilers. The building costs 2,5 millions France (valued at that time) and being the largest and oldest cathedral in Việt Nam France
At first, the belfries were built of bricks and square-shaped, 36,6m high. 14 years later, in 1894, two roofs were added, there are 6 bells, weighing 24,000kg, the heaviest in the far-Eastern at the time. In 1920, two towers were added to the belfries, 36m high. Each top is attached with a cross, 3,50m high, 2m wide and 600 kg heavy. Total height from the ground to the cross is 60, 50m nowadays.
The hall inside was designed with one main hall, two side smaller ones, then come the hall for praying. Total length is 133m, 35m wide and 21m high. The cathedral can seat 1200 people. There are two lines of pillars, six in each line, symbols of 12 disciples. Behind the pillars in the main hall is a large lobby with 20 altars and saint-statues made of white stone. The main altar is made of marble with images of 6 saint carved into the stone that support the altar which is divided into 3 section and each depict a saint’s glory.
Notre dame de Saigon is a typical architectural project, symbol of 300-year-old Saigon . It’s not only for praying of the catholic followers. It’s also a near and dear image of Saigon , a sightseeing spot for visitors to the city, the Southern land washed in sunshine all year round.
THU TRANG
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