Cho Quan Church
Cho Quan Church has a long history and is closely linked to the exploration and development of the southern part of our country. The church was established in 1722, making it the oldest parish in the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City. According to legend, the founders of the parish were migrants from Hue with a background in flour milling. They settled in an area with many markets and stalls, hence the name Cho Quan Church. The parish has endured numerous challenges throughout history, from religious and military persecutions to taxes and wars. The church has been destroyed and rebuilt several times in 1727, 1733, 1793, 1862, and 1882. The current church was inaugurated in 1896.
Cho Quan Church is not just a beautiful architectural structure but also a symbol of faith and perseverance for Catholic believers in the South. The church has contributed to the formation and development of Ho Chi Minh City, serving as a cultural and spiritual tourism destination attracting many domestic and international visitors. Cho Quan Church is a precious heritage of the Vietnamese people, a testament to the harmony and integration of different cultures and religions.
Architecturally, Cho Quan Church exhibits the characteristics of French Gothic architecture, with curved vaults and massive carved stone columns. The church is 55 meters long, 20 meters wide, and 40 meters high, constructed with bricks and granite stones, topped with red tiles. On the church's facade, there are two statues: the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Sacred Heart of the Virgin Mary, placed within two circular windows. Inside the church, there is a main altar and two side altars adorned with paintings, statues, and chandeliers. The church also houses a bell tower with six bells, placed in the spire.
In terms of scenery, Cho Quan Church is situated in a spacious area of about 16,000 square meters, surrounded by lush green trees. In front of the church, there is a large square with a statue of the Virgin Mary standing on a flower pedestal. Next to the church are auxiliary facilities such as the rectory, convent, school, and service room. Cho Quan Church is also close to many famous landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City, such as Cholon Market, Ba Thien Hau Pagoda, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and the City Theater.