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Tan Dinh Church: Ho Chi Minh City Iconic Pink Church

Nestled in the bustling heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Tan Dinh Church stands as a landmark of history and architecture, captivating both locals and travelers. Affectionately dubbed the “Pink Church”, it boasts a striking rosy appearance that draws the eye, evoking curiosity and admiration. In this article, let’s explore this iconic pink church in Ho Chi Minh City with Lua Viet Tours!

Tan Dinh Church – The iconic pink church in Saigon. (Image Source: Internet)

Overview of Tan Dinh Church

As one of Ho Chi Minh City’s oldest churches, Tan Dinh Church stands as a historical landmark, captivating visitors with its delicate beauty and intricate architecture.

Location

Tan Dinh Church located at 289 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 3, a vibrant area brimming with life. Whether you’re arriving by foot or taking a short taxi ride, the church is easily accessible and well-worth the journey. The juxtaposition of the church against the hustle and bustle of the city creates a captivating contrast, offering moments of tranquility amidst urban energy.

Tan Dinh Church located on the bustling Hai Ba Trung Street, District 3. (Image Source: Internet)

Opening hours

Tan Dinh Church welcomes visitors daily, with public masses held in the morning and evening. Generally, the church is open for exploration from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM. It’s advisable to check ahead for specific mass schedules or any special events that might affect visiting times.

How to get there

You can get to Tan Dinh Church by public transportation such as taxis or hail-riding services like Grab. In addition, to avoid inconvenience, you can also join a motorbike tour to be guided to this church as well as explore other interesting places in Saigon.

>>> Explore our Saigon early morning motorbike tour to visit Tan Dinh Church and more!

History of Tan Dinh Church

Tan Dinh Church was built quite early and is one of the largest in Ho Chi Minh City. The history of Tan Dinh Church began in 1874 during the mission of Father Donatien Éveillard (1835 – 1883). It was Father Éveillard who directly supervised the construction of the church, both raising funds and directing the construction. In December 1876, the church was officially inaugurated.

Father Éveillard invited nuns from the Order of Saint Paul of Chartres to come here to establish an orphanage and boarding school next to the church. The school was opened in 1877 and around the 1880s, there were about 300 students attending the school.

Tan Dinh Church in the past. (Image Source: Internet)

On 15 September 1883, Father Éveillard died and was buried on 17 September 1883 in front of the altar of Our Lady in the Tan Dinh Church, which he had built. A white marble slab covers his tomb. In 1928-1929, the church was restored and upgraded under the authorization of Father Jean-Baptiste.

Nguyen Ba Tong (1868-1949), who later became famous as the first Vietnamese bishop of Indochina, in charge of the diocese of Phat Diem. In 1949, the structural pillars in the nave of the church were reinforced. In 1957, the church was renovated and repainted in the pink color that is well known today (salmon pink on the outside and strawberry and cream on the inside). Since then, the church has undergone several major renovations.

Unique Architecture of Tan Dinh Church

Tan Dinh Church is a large building with Roman architecture combined with classical Gothic elements. Located on a busy street in Saigon, its outstanding colors and unique architecture always attract the attention of anyone passing by. Let’s explore the architecture of this pink church!

The main tower

The main tower of Saigon’s Tan Dinh Church is 52.6m high, on top is a bronze cross. Standing at the foot of the church and looking up, you will admire a very unique architecture.

Each curved window with Gothic architecture combined with Roman, the delicate decorative motifs of the Renaissance style with each dotted line, has created an attractive beauty, captivating the eyes at first sight.

The main tower of Tan Dinh Church is 52.6m high. (Image Source: Internet)

The side towers

The two side towers of the church have a dominant pink tone, with many light towers and wind-blown windows, with unique patterns closely linked together. The roof is covered with fish scales with double spirals, similar to decorative motifs, making the building more eye-catching and outstanding.

The side towers of Tan Dinh Church. (Image Source: Internet)

The interior of Tan Dinh Church

Moving inside this church, you will see the majestic interior, with the main altar made of Italian marble, two rows of solemn columns with Gothic architecture. On the left side of the sanctuary is the pedestal of female saints and on the right is the pedestal of male saints.

In addition, inside the tower there are 5 bell towers, weighing up to 5.5 tons, exquisitely carved, making visitors feel like they are lost in a poetic Italian cathedral, but still maintaining its inherent solemnity.

Interior architecture of Tan Dinh Church.

Tips for Taking Beautiful Photos

Tan Dinh Church, a standout amidst the city, situated on a bustling street with countless stunning check-in spots. To capture Instagram-worthy photos, don’t miss these tips!

Best Angles: The front view of the church, where the pink hues contrast with the blue sky, offers a classic shot. The side view can also capture the bell tower and the church’s height.
Timing: Early morning or late afternoon light is ideal for photography, casting a warm glow on the church’s exterior.
Details: Don’t forget to capture the unique features of the church, from the charming doors to the exquisite stained-glass windows.
Outfit: Opt for colors like pink, gray, or white to complement the church’s aesthetics.
Respectful Photography: Always take care to be respectful when photographing during worship services. Consider waiting for quieter moments to enjoy both the atmosphere and the architecture.

Tan Dinh offers a stunning view for instagram-worthy photos. (Image Source: IG @deniapalm)

Best Time to Visit Tan Dinh Church

While Tan Dinh Church is captivating year-round, certain times enhance its beauty even more. Early mornings are particularly magical, when the soft light gently illuminates the pink facade. Additionally, visiting on weekdays can offer a quieter experience, allowing you to soak in the ambiance without the hustle of larger crowds often seen on weekends.

If you’re interested in mass, attending a Sunday service provides a unique cultural experience, as the church fills with hymns and prayers from the local community. However, be prepared for larger crowds during this time.

Notes When Visiting Tan Dinh Church

– Do not wear overly sexy clothes or offensive clothes that are not suitable for a solemn and sacred place in the Church.

– During the visit, you should pay attention to hygiene and not litter.

– If you only take photos and visit, please pay attention to the church’s service hours to always keep quiet, avoid making noise that disturbs the solemn atmosphere during the service.

– Visitors who bring children here to visit should be careful to avoid them running and playing around during mass time.

Attractions Near Tan Dinh Church

Once you’ve marveled at the beauty of Tan Dinh Church, consider exploring other nearby attractions that showcase Ho Chi Minh City’s life. A few notable sites include:

Le Van Tam Park: Known as the green lung of the city, this place is crowded with city residents who come here every morning to exercise, creating a very bustling atmosphere. Address: Ward Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Jade Emperor Pagoda: A striking Taoist temple adorned with intricate sculptures and bustling with local worshippers, this pagoda offers a glimpse into the spiritual diversity of Vietnam. Address: 73 Mai Thi Luu Street, District 1.
War Remnants Museum: For history enthusiasts, the War Remnants Museum provides a sobering yet insightful look into Vietnam’s history, particularly during the Vietnam War era. Address: 28 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3.
Ben Thanh Market: A bit further but definitely worth the visit, this famous market is ideal for shopping, sampling local foods, and soaking in the local culture. Address: Le Loi Street, District 1.

Tan Dinh Church not only represents a beautiful building but also serves as a vital part of Ho Chi Minh City’s historical and cultural landscape. Its vibrant pink exterior, intricate architecture, and serene interior make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city. As you stroll through this iconic site, allow yourself to be inspired by its beauty and the stories it holds within its walls. Don’t just rush through, take your time to absorb the atmosphere and perhaps even engage in a moment of reflection.

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