Being designed in the combination of traditional Vietnam pagodas and Catholicism architecture, Phat Diem Stone Church is one of the most beautiful churches in Vietnam. The church is considered as a “Catholic capital” of the country.
About 120 kilometers to the south of Hanoi, Phat Diem Stone Church or Phat Diem Cathedral is a complex of Catholic church covering an area of 22 hectares. The Church is situated in Phat Diem Town, Kim Son District, Ninh Binh Province. Phat Diem Stone Church is an impressive work which was entirely made from stone and wood. The construction of the church was started in 1875 and basically completed 23 years later by the priest Father Tran Luc. With the techniques and the traffic conditions in the late of 19th century, the transportation of thousands tons of rock and hundreds of ironwood trees to Phat Diem is a brilliant feat. The most outstanding feature of this landmark is that in spite of being known as a Catholic church, Phat Diem was modeled on the architecture of Vietnam traditional temples.
Phat Diem Stone Church complex consists of a great cathedral, five chapels, a bell house (Phuong Dinh), a pond, and three artificial caves. Unlike other Catholic churches which feature towering architecture, Phat Diem was designed following the mingling of European Gothic style and Vietnam traditional temple’s and pagoda’s architecture in order not to deny the values that Vietnamese people has nurtured. The church was created with the nice belief that Vietnamese Catholics could worship God but still respect and preserve their customs and traditions.
Regarding to activity, Christmas is considered as the greatest event of Phat Diem Stone Church Pagoda in one year. About half a month prior to the festival, parishioners in Phat Diem start preparing for the most important day of a year for Catholic followers. They take time to decorate the church of the upcoming holiday. Christmas Eve is usually took place under the cold weather when Phat Diem Stone chuch is sparkling with differently brilliant colored lights. Two important ceremonies will be held in this night including Vilgin (waiting for the birth of God) and a flower parade of The Holy Child Statue (Baby Jesus). Besides, many special repertoires will be performed in this day. At the end of the ceremonies, people will come together inside the cathedral and pray for peace and happiness.
Other attactions in Ninh Binh: Trang An Scenic landscape complex, Tam Coc Bich Dong, Hoa Lu Ancient capital, Cuc Phuong National park, Van Long Nature reserve – Kenh Ga Hot Spring
