Do Church- Symbol of History and Culture in Nam Dinh
However, due to its proximity to the sea, Do Church has endured the encroachment of seawater over the years. In 1966, seawater penetrated inside the church, causing damage to the interior and religious artifacts. Gradually, the church was abandoned, leaving only the exterior framework, merged with the beach sand. The walls crumbled, the bricks were covered in moss, and the sculptures were weathered. Do Church became a ruin amidst a desolate and silent landscape.
To protect Do Church from natural erosion, the local authorities built a dyke system extending from Yen Dinh bridge to Con bridge. This dyke system has prevented seawater from rising and causing flooding for the church. However, it is also this dyke system that has separated Do Church from its close connection with the open sea. The church now stands as a memory in the minds of the elderly local residents.
Nevertheless, Do Church still retains its charm, especially for many tourists and photography enthusiasts. It serves as an ideal backdrop for romantic wedding photos, television dramas, or literary works. The most beautiful moments at Do Church are during sunrise when golden sunlight shines through the door openings, creating sharp and impressive lines. The church is also enchanting during sunset when the sun gradually sets behind the sea, leaving a pinkish-purple hue in the sky, highlighting the melancholic and mysterious beauty of the church.
Visitors to the Do Church not only get to admire a unique architectural structure but also experience the life of the local people. Tourists can participate in activities such as salt harvesting, fishing, picking fruits, or playing with the children here. They can also savor the local seafood specialties of Nam Dinh, such as braised fish, banh gai (thorn leaf cake), banh cuon (steamed rolled rice pancake), or lotus seed sweet soup.
Do Church is a symbol of the history and culture of Nam Dinh. It holds many stories and memories of the local people. Do Church is also an attractive and worth-visiting tourist destination. If you have the chance to visit Nam Dinh, do not miss the opportunity to admire the beauty of Do Church.