St. Joseph's Cathedral (simply called “Big Church” in Vietnamese), Nha Chung Street near the Hoan Kiem Lake. This is a Roman Catholic cathedral with neo- gothic which was built over 100 year ago.

Nguyen Quang Ngoc Tonkin

St Joseph Cathedral

Hanoi


Hanoi's neo-Gothic St Joseph Cathedral was inaugurated in 1886, and has a soaring facade that faces a little plaza that's usually stuffed with selfie sticks and posses of preening photographers. The church's most noteworthy features are the looming twin bell towers, elaborate altar and fine stained-glass windows. Entrance via the main gate is only permitted during Mass: times are listed on a sign on the gates to the left of the cathedral.

At other times, enter via the Diocese of Hanoi compound, a block away at 40 P Nha Chung. When you reach the side door to the cathedral, to your right, ring the small bell high up on the right-hand side of the door.

An array of cafes and restaurants are artfully placed with views to the cathedral, including La Place, Eden Cafe and Cong Caphe.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Hanoi attractions

1. Hoan Kiem Lake

0.22 MILES

Legend claims that, in the mid-15th century, heaven sent Emperor Le Loi a magical sword, which he used to drive the Chinese from Vietnam. After the…

2. Thap Rua

0.22 MILES

Built in 1886, the ramshackle Thap Rua, on a tiny island in Hoan Kiem Lake, is topped with a red star on special occasions and is often used as an emblem…

3. Ngoc Son Temple

0.26 MILES

Meaning 'Temple of the Jade Mountain', Hanoi's most visited temple sits on a small island in the northern part of Hoan Kiem Lake, connected to the…

4. Hoa Lo Prison Museum

0.28 MILES

This thought-provoking site is all that remains of the former Hoa Lo Prison, ironically nicknamed the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ by US prisoners of war (POWs) during…

5. Ngo Cam Chi

0.33 MILES

This narrow lane is packed with local eateries turning out cheap, tasty food for a few dollars. Ngo Cam Chi translates as ‘Forbidden to Point Alley’ and…

6. Martyrs' Monument

0.35 MILES

This dramatic monument depicts a woman with a sword and one man holding a rifle and another a torch. It was erected as a memorial to those who died…

7. Ambassadors’ Pagoda

0.4 MILES

The official centre of Buddhism in Hanoi, the wonderfully maintained and otherwise peaceful Ambassadors’ Pagoda attracts quite a crowd on holidays. During…

8. Vietnamese Women’s Museum

0.4 MILES

This excellent and highly informative museum showcases the roles of women in Vietnamese society and culture. Labelled in English and French, exhibits…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "vietnam/hanoi/attractions/st-joseph-cathedral/a/poi-sig/1141867/357880",
      "destination": "Hanoi",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "country": "Vietnam",
      "city": "Hanoi",
      "position": "superzone"
    }