Phat Diem Stone Cathedral is one of the most unique and renowned architectural structures in Vietnam. Situated in Phat Diem town, Kim Son district, Ninh Binh province, approximately 120 km south of Hanoi, this cathedral was constructed in 1875 and essentially completed by 1898. The construction spanned about 30 years and was modeled after the traditional architectural features of Vietnamese pagodas and temples, characterized by numerous boat-shaped curved roofs. This has got to be an exceptionally distinctive piece of architecture, as the cathedral is an eclectic blend of Vietnamese and European architecture, with touches of Neo Gothic style here and there, resulting in a one of a kind stone complex that catches you off-guard. The wonderful Phat Diem Stone Cathedral in Ninh Binh is also referred to as the Catholic capital of Vietnam.

Phat Diem Stone Cathedral - A history

When speaking of Phat Diem Cathedral, one cannot overlook a crucial figure associated with the structure, namely Father Peter Tran Luc, also known as Father Six (1825-1899), the “architect” of the Cathedral.

A fun little anecdote: The almost entirely stone cathedral wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for Father Six being extremely sick. He made a vow to Mary that if he recovered, he would build a church for the Holy Mother in his diocese.

Starting in 1862, Father Tran Luc researched and surveyed the terrain, as well as the entire Ninh Binh region. Later, he chose this location for the catholic work. In 1865, he began searching for materials for the construction, and it wasn't until 1875 that the construction officially commenced. It was essentially completed only in 1898.

The construction of the cathedral took a great deal of effort, especially in transporting the materials to the construction site: thousands of tons of stones, including slabs weighing up to 20 tons, and hundreds of ironwood columns, all the way from Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and many other distant provinces.

The unique architecture of Phat Diem Stone Cathedral

Phat Diem Cathedral was constructed from 1875 to 1899, featuring a diverse architectural ensemble, including a pond, a square hall, a main chapel with five smaller chapels on either side, one of which made entirely from stone, and three artificial stone grottoes. The architectural space of the cathedral strongly reflects the Eastern cultural influence with a clear "tiền thủy, hậu sơn" style, signifying the presence of a water pond in the front and a mountain in the back.

It wouldn’t be wrong to describe the cathedral as resembling a temple or pagoda. Father Peter Tran Luc wanted his cathedral to express a sense of unity, a harmony between Catholicism and Vietnamese architecture, as well as the harmony between Catholicism and other religions in Vietnam.

“Mountain at the back, water in front”

Visitors arriving at the Phat Diem Cathedral will first encounter a rectangular pond, approximately 4 hectares wide, surrounded by stone embankments. In the middle of the pond is an island with a statue of Jesus.

Three artificial stone grottoes are located to the north of Phat Diem Cathedral, spaced about 100 meters apart, created from various large and small stone blocks, each one featuring large statues.

The pond in front is supposed to represent flexibility and the stone grottoes in the back stability. As a whole, the architecture style symbolizes harmony, yin and yang, femininity and masculinity.

The Square Hall - the bell tower

The "Phuong Dinh" (meaning square house), is a 25m tall and 17m wide Square Hall constructed using slate stones. The stone door arches are intricately assembled, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. In the center of Phuong Dinh is a solid stone altar, adorned with bas-reliefs depicting images of Jesus and saints, featuring graceful lines both on the exterior and interior.

On the second level of Phuong Dinh hangs a large drum, while the third level houses a bell measuring 1.4m in height, 1.1m in diameter, and weighing nearly 2000 kg. This large bell was cast in 1890. The roof of Phat Diem Cathedral is not a lofty Western-style spire, but rather a graceful upturned roof, reminiscent of the traditional architecture of temples and pagodas.

The Chapel

Upon crossing the Phuong Dinh, visitors enter the grand cathedral, which was constructed in 1891, featuring five entrances and five porches adorned with intricate and sophisticated motifs. The style draws inspiration from traditional architectural canons of ancient pagodas and temples, fostering an atmosphere favorable for meditation and prayer.

The eyes are immediately drawn to the two rows of imposing pillars leading to the sanctuary, beautifully adorned with intricately carved, lacquered, and gilded woodwork.

The roof is supported by 52 wooden pillars, each measuring 11 meters in height, 2.60 meters in circumference, and weighing seven tonnes.

On both sides of the grand cathedral, there are five small chapels, the Chapel of Immaculate Heart of Mary and four others dedicated to Jesus, Saint Roch, Saint Peter and Saint Joseph. Each chapel is constructed in a unique architectural style.

The Chapel of Immaculate Heart of Mary

What leaves a lasting impression on visitors when exploring the Phat Diem Cathedral complex is probably the Chapel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Erected in 1883, it spans 15.30 meters in length, 8.50 meters in width, and 6 meters in height, entirely made of dressed stone. Inside the chapel, numerous beautifully carved stone bas-reliefs capture attention, notably the quartet carving of pine, mai, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, symbolizing the weather and the beauty of the four seasons. Locals in Phat Diem have come to affectionately nickname it the "Stone Chapel''.

Phat Diem Stone Cathedral travel guide

How to get to Phat Diem Stone Cathedral 

To get to Phat Diem Cathedral in Ninh Binh, you have multiple options such as motorcycles, buses, cars, and trains, especially if you’re moving from the northern region or Hanoi. If you are in the central or south, you can opt for a flight to Hanoi. From there, you can then choose from the mentioned ways to reach Ninh Binh.

If you’re going there by motorcycle, upon reaching Ninh Binh town, turn onto Road No. 10. Then, travel an additional 28 km to reach the Phat Diem town. On the left side of Road No. 10, you will see the Ngoi bridge. Drive about 200m more, then turn right. Continue for approximately 250m, and you will arrive at Phat Diem Cathedral.

Tips for Phat Diem Stone Cathedral

It takes roughly 3 hours for a round trip from Tam Coc/Ninh Binh to visit Phat Diem Cathedral: 45 minutes to get to Phat Diem, 1 hour on-site, and 1 hour to return via the alternate route. Phat Diem Cathedral isn't a full-day commitment but rather a morning excursion, you'd still have time for biking or a boat tour in the afternoon.

Don't go too early on Sunday morning because it's closed until 10:00 AM (while the mass concludes). However, if you want to attend mass, you can, too. The cathedral is free to enter, so make sure to stop by if you have the chance, especially during Christmas!

To discover Phat Diem Stone Cathedral, you can book this tour: 
>>> Ninh Binh 2 Day Tour