Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Overview

The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady, commonly called Notre-Dame Cathedral Saigon, is a neo-Romanesque cathedral built between 1863 and 1880 with red bricks imported from Marseille.

Highlights

• Red Brick Exterior: The bricks have maintained their vivid color for over 140 years without paint.
• Twin Bell Towers: 58-meter towers house six bronze bells weighing 28.85 tons total.
• Virgin Mary Statue: A pilgrimage site since reported tears in 2005.

History

Commissioned by French colonists and designed by Jules Bourard, built using exclusively French materials.

Visitor Tips

• Exterior Only: Under renovation since 2017 — interior access limited.
• Photo Timing: Early morning light creates the best photographs.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.