Nestled in the heart of Da Nang – central Vietnam, Vietnam’s third-largest city, Da Nang Cathedral stands as a striking emblem of both colonial history and religious devotion. Known affectionately as the “Pink Church” and the “Rooster Church,” these iconic attractions in Da Nang draw visitors with its unique Gothic architecture and vibrant pastel color. This guide will provide an in-depth look at the cathedral’s history, architecture, and practical details for visitors.
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Discovering Da Nang Cathedral and its History
History of Da Nang Cathedral
Da Nang Cathedral, officially known as the Sacred Heart Cathedral, is the only church in Vietnam built during the French colonial period in Da Nang. Constructed between February 1923 and March 1924, it was established to serve the French Catholics living in the area at that time. The church was inaugurated on March 10, 1924, and was initially called the “Tourane Church” before being dedicated as the Cathedral of Da Nang Diocese.
The Da Nang cathedral was built and designed by French priest Louis Vallet, who was also responsible for the construction of Nha Trang Cathedral. Vallet’s design reflects the French Gothic style, characterized by its impressive bell tower and stained-glass windows. The pastel pink color cathedral’s unique features include a rooster weathercock atop its bell tower with an impressive pink color at the roof of the church, which locals refer to as the “Rooster Church” due to its traditional role in predicting weather conditions. The rooster is a symbol of vigilance and awakening, rather than a national symbol of France.
Architecture of Da Nang Cathedral
The architectural splendor of Da Nang is known to be one of its most captivating aspects. Rising to a height of 70 meters, the main bell tower is surrounded by ten smaller towers, creating a striking silhouette against the city skyline. The church’s façade is painted in a soft pastel pink, which has earned it the nickname “Pink Church” among locals and tourists alike.
The cathedral is built in the classical Gothic style, featuring oval-shaped door rings and intricate stained-glass windows that depict various biblical events. These windows reflect a blend of Vietnamese and French cultural influences, showcasing the cathedral’s role as a cultural bridge between East and West. Inside, the church is adorned with simple yet elegant decorations, including delicately carved columns and a grotto of Our Lady modeled after the Lourdes cave in France, which adds to its serene and sacred atmosphere.
How to Get to the Da Nang Cathedral
Da Nang Cathedral is centrally located, making it accessible from various parts of the city. Here’s how you can reach this architectural gem and discover more things to do in Da Nang.
Location of Da Nang Pink Church
The cathedral is situated at 156 Tran Phu Street, Hai Chau 1 Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City. It is approximately 1 kilometer from the Cham Museum and the Dragon Bridge, and 1.5 kilometers from the Son Tra Night Market. It is about 3 kilometers from Da Nang International Airport.
Walking
If you’re staying in a nearby hotel or in the city center, you can easily walk to the Da Nang Cathedral mass time to experience the local culture. The area between the Han River Bridge and the Dragon Bridge when you turn left onto Tran Phu Street or right onto Pham Phu Thu Street is particularly convenient for visitors who live in Da Nang or are just passing through. While exploring on foot, you can also visit other attractions such as Han Market and the Museum of Cham Sculpture. The neighborhood is vibrant, with numerous eateries and local vendors, making it an ideal area for a leisurely stroll.
By Car and Taxi
Traveling by car or taxi is a straightforward option. Given its central location, it’s easy to reach the cathedral by road. Note that visitors should use the back gate on Yen Bai Street to enter, the best route is to turn left onto Yen Bai street and go straight to the Dragon Bridge or Han River bank, as the main entrance on Tran Phu Street is not accessible for visitors to the Da Nang Cathedral mass.
By Bus
The R16 bus is the only public transportation option that stops near the cathedral. It operates from Kim Lien to the Vietnam-Korea University, running from 6 AM to 7 PM daily with a frequency of every 15 minutes. The best route for this vehicle is to turn right onto Bach Dang street or Tran Phu Street and go to the Dragon Bridge or Han River Bridge. In the city center, this bus stops at various points including Dien Bien Phu Street and Ly Thai To Street.
By Motorbike
Motorbikes are a popular and convenient way to get around Da Nang. Parking behind the church is available for those attending masses. It is available at the back gate on Yen Bai Street, with a nominal fee of 5,000 VND. This option offers flexibility and ease of travel around the city and is quite popular to a Danang tourist attraction and catholic rituals.
Experiences to get on your visit to Da Nang Cathedral
Visiting Da Nang Cathedral offers a range of experiences, from appreciating its architectural beauty to participating in local religious practices.
Admire the architectural beauty of the cathedral
The Pink Church’s stunning Gothic architecture and pastel pink façade make it a must-see for architecture enthusiasts and photographers. Its unique design and historical significance provide ample opportunities for memorable photographs, with the glass windows being a highlight.
Learn about the religious values of Catholicism
The cathedral serves as an active place of worship for Da Nang’s Catholic community and hosts regular mass times. Attending a mass or exploring the church provides insight into Catholic traditions and the role of religion in Vietnamese society. It’s one of the key things to do in Da Nang.
Take unique photos in front of Da Nang Pink Church
The cathedral’s distinctive pink color and Gothic details make it a popular spot for photography. Visitors can capture the church’s beauty from various angles and in different lights, especially during sunrise or sunset. Catholic believers in Da Nang also fancy the interior of the church, where they can pose their selfie on gospel about repentance and awakening.
Attend masses or events held on weekends and holidays
The church is the grotto and it hosts regular masses and special events, particularly during major Christian holidays like Christmas. Make sure to check the Da Nang Cathedral mass time. Attending a mass or festive event provides a deeper understanding of local Catholic practices and the vibrant community life surrounding the cathedral.
Tips go to Pink church in Da Nang
Da Nang Cathedral is a wonderful religious place to consider visiting during opening hours. To make the most of your visit, consider these tips:
- Respect Local Customs, especially those of Catholic believers attending services.: Dress modestly when visiting the cathedral. Avoid loud conversations and refrain from taking photos during mass.
- Timing: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Parking: Use the designated parking area on Yen Bai Street if arriving by motorbike.
Visiting Must-See Surroundings near Da Nang Cathedral
The cathedral’s central location makes it easy to explore nearby attractions:
The Han Market
Just 300 meters from the cathedral, Han Market is a bustling venue offering a wide variety of goods, from fresh produce and local snacks to clothing and souvenirs, perfect for those who live in Da Nang. It’s a great place to experience local culture and pick up some unique items.
- Location: 119 Trần Phú, Hải Châu 1, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam
- Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xNfZtBEWXwmc5P257
Dragon Bridge
Located about 1 kilometer from the cathedral, the Dragon Bridge is a landmark of Da Nang, renowned for its dragon-shaped design and nightly fire and water shows. It’s an iconic spot for both daytime photos and evening entertainment.
- Location: 29 Cầu Rồng, An Hải Trung, Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam
- Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nguGGmfbgpEpnD3n7
Museum of Cham Sculpture
A short walk from the cathedral, this museum houses an extensive collection of Cham artifacts, including intricate stone carvings and statues. Behind the church, you can find additional historical landmarks. It provides insight into the ancient Cham civilization that once flourished in Vietnam.
- Location: Số 02 Đ. 2 Tháng 9, Bình Hiên, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam
- Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LL4FdrP6NNbcw55c9
Restaurants near the Da Nang Cathedral
The area around the cathedral is filled with dining options, from street food stalls to more formal restaurants. Local specialties such as pho, banh xeo (pancakes), and nem lui (grilled pork) can be found nearby.
La Cabana – House of BBQ
La Cabana is a cozy Argentinian steakhouse in Da Nang, providing breathtaking views of Dragon Bridge and Love Pier. With its spacious and comfortable setting, including a balcony overlooking the Han River, it’s ideal for both couples and groups. The restaurant is known for its perfectly grilled Argentine steaks at reasonable prices, accompanied by soft music and a selection of imported wines, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
- Location: 505 Đ. Trần Hưng Đạo, An Hải Trung, Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng
- Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TVUwYsex3DskHSh4A
Golden Meat House
Golden Meat House specializes in stone-grilled BBQ, where you can enjoy a variety of grilled dishes prepared right at your table. The menu includes tofu soup, kimchi soup with pork, and steamed egg. Featuring a modern, airy design and fresh, premium ingredients, it’s a great destination for BBQ and Korean cuisine lovers.
- Location: 100 Trần Bạch Đằng, Bắc Mỹ Phú, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam
- Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KP67cc5KvjpUufJD7
Thien Kim Restaurant
Thien Kim Restaurant, situated along the serene Han River on Bach Dang Street, offers a peaceful and elegant dining atmosphere. It is celebrated for its diverse Vietnamese cuisine, prepared with care and attention to detail, promising a delightful culinary experience.
- Location: 166 Bạch Đằng, Hải Châu 1, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam
- Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/b4GMjWNAybV7AzNRA
Coffee Shops near the Da Nang Cathedral
Coffee culture is strong in Vietnam, not except for Danang, and several cafes around the cathedral offer authentic brews. Visit Cong Ca Phe by Han Market for a traditional Vietnamese coffee experience from Monday to Saturday along Bach Dang river bank.
Cong Ca Phe
- Location: 98-96 Bạch Đằng, Hải Châu 1, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng,Vietnam
- Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/A7Q1D9Qbf71zPhZj8
Cheese Coffee
- Location: 228 Trần Phú, Phước Ninh, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam
- Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KPoQrp4n85yvCAng9
Z! Coffee & Roastery
- Location: 169/1 Trần Phú, Hải Châu 1, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam
- Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SXF2kWh7b4Wk6tKq7
Reviews Da Nang Cathedral on Tripadvisor
Visitors to Da Nang Cathedral frequently praise its beauty and historical significance on the Tripadvisor website. It’s an ideal and lively place of worship, repentance and awakening for french catholics who get to Da Nang. Reviews often highlight the cathedral’s stunning architecture and the peaceful atmosphere it offers, particularly during mass times. Many visitors find it a rewarding experience to see this historic site and appreciate its role in the local community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Da Nang Cathedral, with its rich history, distinctive architecture, and central location, offers a unique blend of cultural and spiritual experiences. Whether you’re interested in its Gothic design, the local Catholic traditions, or simply looking for a picturesque spot for photos, the Pink Church is a must-visit landmark in Da Nang.