Explore Domaine De Marie Church - A European mark in the heart of Da Lat
At Domaine De Marie church, visitors will be able to admire the architectural scene with bold European breath right in the heart of Da Lat.
Overview of Domaine De Marie church
Domaine De Marie Church is one of the three most famous churches in the land of thousands of flowers. In addition to the familiar name to tourists, this place is also known by another name: Mai Anh church (in the past there were many cherry blossom trees here), Vinh Son church (the chapel of the nuns Tu Bac Ai Vincent). Address: No. 1 Ngo Quyen Street, Ward 6, Da Lat
Domaine De Marie Church is designed in a typical ancient French architectural style, and construction began in 1940. Located right in the center of Da Lat city, the church area is also known as the territory of Da Lat. Notre Dame Cathedral is very attractive to both tourists and parishioners.
You can choose to go to church any day and any time of the week. However, according to the experience of many previous tourists, you should choose to visit between 7-11 am or 2-5 pm to avoid affecting the church's activities.
Mass times at Domaine De Marie church on weekdays are 5:00 p.m., on weekends there will be services at 5:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and on special days there will be different service times. Tourists should note that they should limit visiting during church services to avoid causing disorder. Furthermore, we cannot freely visit at this time.
Explore Domaine De Marie church in Dalat
The church was built from 1940-1944 by the wife of the governor-general of Indochina at that time, Jean Decoux, who mobilized parishioners to donate. Previously, Domaine De Marie church was the main monastery of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent from 1940-1943. After 1975, besides the chapel and two monasteries, other facilities were also built here to serve public purposes.
The church has raised many orphans and also taught them weaving, embroidery, and painting. Behind the church is the grave of Lady Jean Decoux, to remember the person who built the church and also fulfilled her wish. The lady passed away in an accident on Prenn Pass in 1944 during a trip from Saigon to Da La
Domaine De Marie Dalat Church has a unique architectural feature The first impression that
Domaine De Marie church brings is the characteristics of European architectural style, built on a large area of up to 12 hectares. A special feature that everyone is surprised to know is that the church does not use cement but uses other natural adhesives such as lime, molasses, and walls made of split stone up to the window sill level.
Compared to Western classical churches, Domaine De Marie has many more innovative features. For example, it is still a cross plan but the proportions are relatively freer, 11m wide and 33m long, with two steps leading up to the main door and rejoining in the main hall.
When entering the church grounds, we can admire many types of blooming flowers, especially the sea marigold. The vestibule has an isosceles triangle shape, on the sharp top of the roof there is a cross and in front are decorated with small lancet-shaped arches. In the middle of the facade, near the top of the roof, is a circular rose window - a detail that often appeared in French churches in the late 17th century.
The roof of Domaine De Marie church has a shape similar to the communal roof of the Central Highlands, has a quite steep slope and is covered with red tiles made in Vietnam. The skylights protruding from the large roof are not only a place to attach stained glass panels from France, but also better illuminate the space, making the cathedral more sparkling.
The wall is built in the Normandie style of stone split to the level of the window sill. The church also has a characteristic dark pink color that has been maintained since completion until now. At first, Domaine De Marie church did not have a bell tower, but now there is a bell tower built right behind the main hall.
Unlike the Chicken Church, the facade of Domaine De Marie church is designed in the shape of an isosceles triangle, with a symbolic cross attached to the top. In front of the church is a circular window simulating the shape of a rose. On both sides of the top of the church are triangular windows that help the space inside the cathedral have more light.
Inside the church, there is a statue of the Virgin Mary standing on a globe designed by French architect Jonchère according to the model of Vietnamese women in 1943. The statue was donated by the wife of the governor-general of Indochina Decoux, 3 tons high and heavy. 1 ton.
Domaine De Marie church was originally the main monastery of more than 50 nuns. Here they have done many social activities such as opening a kindergarten, an orphanage... Up to now, although the main religious order has moved to Ho Chi Minh City, the church still carries out the principle of helping the poor. For example, opening a facility to care for orphans and the retarded, providing medical treatment for the poor, opening a free vocational training center...
Besides the chapel and two cloisters, other facilities are currently also used for public activities. Tourists visiting besides choosing Da Lat specialties as gifts, can also buy souvenirs made by orphans or help poor children at the souvenir counter behind the church.
