This is a structure that the French erected in Da Lat, Vietnam, during the Indochina colonial period. Dr. Alexandre Yersin discovered Da Lat, an area with a favorable environment for the French to reside and enjoy. In comparison to the humid heat of tropical South Vietnam, the valley region is moderate and pleasant. It was constructed to support the religious activities of the new French and lay people who were being evangelized in this area.
The first church was constructed in the shape of an arc with a monotonous cross that said "HIC DOMUS EST DEI," which means "This is of God." When I first went there, I mistook it for a bomb bunker.
However, after speaking with the ancient guard stationed outside the gate, it was discovered that it was the first church built close to the current modern church when the Da Lat diocese was created with a higher number of followers.
It is approximately 24 meters long, 7 meters wide, and 5 meters high, and was constructed in 1920 by priest Fre'de'rc Sidot with parishioners during his first tenure. It is currently employed as a catechist to teach youngsters and study the church's catechism.
The current church was begun in 1931 and completed in 1942 after Bishop Colomba Dreyer, the Holy See's nuncio in Indochina and Thailand, lay the first foundation stone. The locals refer to it as the Chicken Church since there is a bronze chicken emblem 0.66m long and 0.58m high on top of the bell tower. It is currently located at 15D Tran Phu Street in Da Lat City's Ward 3.
The main bell tower and two auxiliary bell towers resemble a launch pad for a NaSa missile. Because it's not open during business hours or due to restrictions imposed by the epidemic, I won't be able to see the inside of the cathedral or the bell tower's spiral staircase. The inclusion of stained glass windows above must be a hallmark of Roman Catholic architecture.
The Convent of the Apostles, located behind the church, is the final resting place for the elderly clergy of the time. It's a little worn, but it's still in good shape, and the basic beauty fades with time. In addition, a freshly constructed modern house was just erected.
The property is quite large, with a long line of stone benches under the cold pine trees for parishioners to rest or pray outside, in addition to the corridors to worship the Virgin Mary and the saints outside. It's simple to see the houses below because it's on a low hill.
With a gorgeous campus and a huge and eye-catching church, it's easy to see why young people check in and snap wedding photos when they visit Da Lat. I'll try to go back after Mass the next time so I can examine the inside architecture.
Thank you for stopping by.
*** Image from gopro 8 ***