Dalat Cathedral is not only an important religious site but also a stunning architectural masterpiece in the heart of Dalat, a dreamy city. With its long history and European-influenced design, the cathedral attracts visitors not only for its magnificent exterior but also for the stories and cultural values it embodies.
Overview of the Dalat Cathedral
Dalat Cathedral, also known as the Rooster Church, St. Nicholas Cathedral, or St. Nicholas of Bari Cathedral, is located at 15 Tran Phu Street, Xuan Huong-Da Lat Ward, Lam Dong Province. Construction of the church began on July 19, 1931, and it was officially inaugurated on January 26, 1942, after 11 years of construction, and was named the Church of St. Nicholas of Bari. This cathedral was used by the French and other Europeans who lived in or visited Dalat.
Mass Times
Mass times at the Dalat Cathedral are as flexible as those of other churches, held on both weekdays and Sundays.
- On weekdays, there are two mass times: 5:15 AM and 5:15 PM.
- On Sundays, there are five mass times: 5:30 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 4:00 PM, and 6:00 PM.
Unique architecture of the Dalat Cathedral
The church’s design is heavily influenced by Roman Catholic churches in Europe. The Dalat Cathedral is designed with overall symmetry, in the shape of a cross, measuring 65m in length and 14m in width. Its main entrance faces the majestic Lang Bian Mountain, the “roof” of Da Lat. Visitors can admire the mountain’s magnificent beauty from here. Even more remarkably, the church has a bell tower that reaches 47m in height, making it easily visible against the sky from a distance.
A view from Dalat Cathedral
The sanctuary of the Dalat Cathedral is divided into three sections: one large central section and two smaller sections on either side. The central section contains rows of tables and the main altar, while the other two sections have side tables and walkways.
Notably, the Dalat Cathedral is built in the Romanesque architectural style, so the decoration is of paramount importance and receives the most attention. The attic is adorned with 70 stained-glass panels from the Louis Balmet workshop in Grenoble (France), making the cathedral’s appearance even more magical.
the sanctum of Dalat Cathedral
The load-bearing walls are built of brick and stone, about 30-40 cm thick. The interior walls are adorned with bas-reliefs measuring 1m x 0.8m, made of cement and iron. The exterior walls are always painted pink, further enhancing the solemnity of this religious architectural work.
Decoding the name of the Rooster Church
As mentioned earlier, the Dalat Cathedral is also known as the Rosster Church because of a brass weathercock atop its central bell tower.
In fact, this is also a unique chicken-shaped lightning rod. That’s why many locals affectionately call it the Rosster Church. Furthermore, to explain this imagery, some opinions suggest that the rooster here symbolizes both the Gallic rooster of France and Saint Peter, as well as awakening and repentance according to the New Testament.
Source: collected by An
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