Huyen Sy Church is one of five biggest churches in Ho Chi Minh City and attracts a great number of visitors and Catholic worshippers.
It is located, at the corner of Nguyen Trai and Ton That Tung Streets in District 1 of HCMC
In the old days of Saigon the wealthy and powerful Huyen Sy, who was the grandfather of Queen Nam Phuong, the wife of Vietnam’s last king, King Bao Dai, paid to have the church built.
Because he incurred the construction expenses, the church was named after him.Rumor has it that Huyen Sy’s reason for having the church built was simply to have an impressive and religiously significant building baring his name.Despite Huyen Sy’s less than pious reasons for sponsoring the construction of the church, from the time it opened until the present day, Huyen Sy Church has remained a tranquil place, popular among Vietnamese Catholics to come to light incense and votive candles, pray and genuflect.The church was built in 1902 according to the architectural direction of Father Boutier.The church is an imposing structure that has endured more than 100 years of harsh heat, driving rain and two wars of resistance against the French colonialists and the USIt was built in the Gothic architectural style which flourished in Europe during the medieval period.The high ceiling with a vertical emphasis is defined by an ogival arch that is supported by pillars made from Bien Hoa granite.
Although an expansive area of windows is a distinctive feature of European-style Gothic architecture, the window area of Huyen Sy Church was reduced to keep out the tropical sun as well as to create a more atmospheric worship area.Off of the nave is a room that contains tombs and statues of Mr. and Mrs. Huyen Sy which were built with precious marble.Marble was used to honor this rich couple because it is considered a luxurious material.Because the church was constructed with granite, it was extremely difficult to engrave patterns on the surface.However, some of the pillars have been meticulously engraved with unique religious impressions.Huyen Sy Church is fronted with a tri-pinnacled spire.From the outside the building is a grand and intimidating structure, while the inside is warm and awe-inspiring.There is a peaceful flower garden on the church grounds.Father Boutier built another similarly styled church in HCMC during the same period he built Huyen Sy Church.The hundred-year-old church is called Thu Duc Church and is located on Vo Van Ngan Street in the Thu Duc District.
Vietnam Discovery 15 days / 14 nights
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