Located west of Hoàn Kiếm Lake in Hanoi's Old Quarter on Nhà Chung Street, Saint Joseph Cathedral (Nhà thờ Lớn Hà Nội) is the oldest church in the city. Completed in December 1886 by French colonists on the former site of the 11th-century Báo Thiên Pagoda, this late 19th-century Gothic Revival cathedral serves as the seat for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hanoi.
Named after the patron saint of Vietnam, the church's striking exterior features twin 103-foot square bell towers reminiscent of Notre Dame de Paris, housing five bells each and crafted from granite stone slabs. Inside, you will discover impressive medieval-style rib-vaulted ceilings, tall French-imported stained glass windows with pointed arches, and a nave featuring a statue of the Virgin Mary held in a traditional local palanquin.
The sanctuary showcases polished gilt-trimmed wood with imperial-style embellishments, along with a 1,850-pipe organ installed in late 2022. Whether you are exploring the surrounding upscale market area filled with boutiques, silks, and local restaurants, or taking in the sacred architecture, visiting this historic cathedral offers a fascinating glimpse into Hanoi's rich history, religious heritage, and unique blend of European and Vietnamese design.
What to see at Saint Joseph Cathedral
- Twin 103-foot Neo-Gothic bell towers modeled after Notre Dame de Paris
- French-imported stained glass windows with tall, pointed arches
- Polished gilt-trimmed wooden sanctuary featuring traditional imperial-style embellishments
- Statue of the Virgin Mary displayed in a traditional local palanquin
- A Belgian-designed pipe organ featuring 1,850 pipes installed in 2022
Visiting tips
If the main gates are closed outside of Mass times, enter through the side door in the diocese compound wall and ring the bell to gain access.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Sunday evening for Mass
How to get there & what’s nearby
Saint Joseph Cathedral is easy to reach on Hanoi’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Hanoi travel guide.
See the full Hanoi travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.