Phat Diem Stone Church

Phat Diem Stone Church in Ninh Binh is the most beautiful Catholic church complex in Vietnam, attracting many tourists to visit every year. This is an ancient church more than 100 years old, built during 30 years and has a very unique architecture.

About Phat Diem Stone Church

Phat Diem stone church complex was built with many different items such as: ponds, monuments, Phuong Dinh, big church, Ro Co biblical chapel and artificial caves.

The building is built entirely of stone and ironwood, with many intricately carved details. Around the work, there are also many familiar images taken from Vietnamese villages such as pine, chrysanthemum, bamboo, apricot, lotus …

Phat Diem stone church is located in Phat Diem town, Kim Son district, Ninh Binh province, about 120 km from Hanoi. Visitors can take a bus, car or motorbike which is also convenient.

From Hanoi, visitors move in the direction of National Highway 1, to Ninh Binh city, follow the 10th road about 28km to Phat Diem town. On the 10th street, you will see the restored ancient Tile Bridge, go about 100m to the location.

Visitors can come to this church at any time of the year, combined with the Ninh Binh travel schedule. However, the most appropriate time to come here is at Christmas, the largest community activity of the parishioners here.

At Christmas Eve, many meaningful activities will take place, decorated and meticulously prepared, which will make visitors amazed by the splendid beauty here.

Coming here, tourists often visit the unique architecture of the church, inside the cathedral are many beautiful sculptural images, all of which are made of bronze.

There are also souvenirs and gifts for Kim Son specialties. After visiting, visitors can consult and buy some items to give to their relatives and friends.

In addition, visitors can visit and take photos at Phat Diem tile bridge, this is the bridge that was printed on Vietnam postage stamps.

Discover the highlights at Phat Diem Church in Ninh Binh 

Phat Diem stone church is made of natural stone, with many beautiful reliefs, or lines depicting lions and phoenixes that are incredibly vivid. The Church in Ninh Binh includes 1 large church and 5 small churches, Phuong Dinh, Ao Ho and 3 artificial caves. With each area has its own characteristics that always make visitors curious to explore.

Pond Lake is a rectangular lake of 4 hectares, surrounded by stone embankments; Visitors can see the lake after entering the main gate of the church. In the middle of the lake is an island with a statue of God.

Next, when you go through the church yard, you will admire the masterpiece Phuong Dinh 25m high, 17m wide, 24m long built of slate and green stone. On the top of the majestic tower are 4 statues of the four saints.

Next is the large church 74m long, 21m wide, 15m high, with four roofs and five entrances and delicately carved stone arches. Around the church are carved flowers typical of the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter like a bright, colorful jelly scarf. In addition, the church also has three artificial caves located in the north of Phat Diem church, about 100m apart, with inherent natural appearance. 

Note when going to Phat Diem stone church

Because of its religious significance, when coming to Phat Diem stone church, you need to note the following:

• Should choose polite, discreet clothes, avoid skirts, pants that are too short or too open.
• When visiting the church, it is necessary to keep order, avoid joking, talking loudly, affecting the solemn and nostalgic atmosphere here.
• Taking photos should be kept strictly according to customs and traditions, not infringing on relics, sitting or stepping on statues.
• The area of ​​​​the church is quite large, so you need to choose sports shoes or flat shoes to avoid foot pain when you have to move a lot.
• Remember to bring an umbrella because Ninh Binh often has sudden rains.
• If you go on crowded days like Christmas, you should store your belongings carefully, the situation of jostling can easily lead to theft.