Long Bien Bridge - the iconic French construction in the heart of Hanoi
Revered by Hanoians, Long Bien Bridge is living historical evidence of the courage of the capital throughout
The famous French architectural works built in Vietnam are not only beautiful but also associated with the nation’s history.
Famous French architectural works with a long history in Vietnam
1. Long Bien Bridge
Long Bien Bridge is one of the famous French architectural works in Vietnam, with a history of up to hundreds of years. This ancient bridge crosses the Red River, connecting the two districts of Long Bien and Hoan Kiem. Today, this is a special project in the heart of the capital, attracting many visitors to check-in when coming to Hanoi.
Long Bien Bridge was built by the French in 1898 – 1902. At the time of its construction, the bridge was considered the largest construction in Indochina at that time. At the time of its inauguration, Long Bien Bridge was the second-longest in the world (only after the Brooklyn Bridge over the East-River in the US), was a brilliant symbol of Hanoi at that time.
Today, Long Bien Bridge has gradually become old with time and historical changes. But the beauty and typical French architecture remain intact over time. The bridge was designed by Dayde & Pille company, applying modern construction science and technology with the entire bridge body made of steel following a tight and harmonious cascading structure.
Long Bien Bridge includes 19 spans of long steel beams, placed on 20 high pillars. The total length of the bridge is up to 2,290 meters. From a distance, Long Bien Bridge appears like a giant dragon that is both strong and soft across the vast Red River. It is that beauty that has created a beautiful mark for this project, turning this place into a favorite check-in point for tourists when traveling to Hanoi .
2. Hanoi Cathedral
Hanoi Cathedral is also one of the beautiful, ancient and famous French architectural works in the capital. The church is located at 40 Nha Chung, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District. This church was built in the 19th century, is a hundred-year-old work that is both beautiful and meaningful to the people of Ha Thanh.
Visiting Hanoi Cathedral, visitors can admire the unique and classic European medieval Gothic architecture. At first glance, you will see that this church has the same beauty as Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. However, the building of the Cathedral has the interference between French and Eastern architecture, creating a very unique and very special mark.
The Hanoi Cathedral was built with mulberry paper and terracotta. The church is 65 meters high and 21 meters wide. Particularly, the two bell towers are up to 31.5 meters high with 4 corners around 4 tall stone pillars. At the top of the church is a cross made of stone with a bell. Below is a statue and a clock.
Hundreds of years have passed, the color of time has covered the Hanoi Cathedral with layers of old moss. It is that oldness that enhances the quiet and ancient beauty that the church brings. However, only the outside of the church is old, while the architecture and interior space are still new and modern.
Today, the Cathedral is a destination in Hanoi that is loved by many tourists. During the Christmas season, Ha Thanh residents and tourists often go to the church to take commemorative photos. The jubilant atmosphere of the festive season with tall pine trees and rows of colorful lights will give you many quality virtual photos.
3. Notre Dame Cathedral
If there is a cathedral in Hanoi, then Ho Chi Minh City has the Notre Dame Cathedral. This is also one of the famous French architectural works left in Vietnam. Notre Dame Cathedral is located at Paris Commune Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, City. HCM.
The church was built according to the old French architecture, by architect J. Bourard. The church has a total length of 91 meters, a width of 35.5 meters, and the main dome is 21 meters high. The highlight of the church is the two bell towers on both sides up to 57 meters high. Today, Notre Dame Cathedral is a beautiful symbol of Saigon, frequented by many visitors.
The beauty of Notre Dame Cathedral is reflected in the impression of Roman architecture mixed with Gothic architecture. In particular, the walls were built with bricks originating from Marseille (France) from the late 19th century, so far, they are still durable over time. In front of the cathedral’s dome stands a Swiss clock, still functioning correctly after 140 years.
The impressive point of this French architecture is that most of the building materials are imported from France. Specifically, tiles, bricks, iron and steel, cement, decorative stained glass and other metal accessories. Later, when the church was damaged and in need of restoration, some structures were replaced with locally produced ones. However, it still does not lose the beauty and soul of the church.
After hundreds of years of existence, Notre Dame Cathedral has become a beautiful symbol of Ho Chi Minh City. This work appears in many large and small films, is the check-in coordinates of international tourists and Vietnamese people on big festivals such as Christmas and year-end festivals. In particular, this is also the favorite place to take wedding photos of many couples.
4. Ho Chi Minh City Post Office
Among the famous French architectural works in Vietnam, the City Post Office is also an important work. The post office is located at 2 Paris Commune, District 1, opposite Notre Dame Cathedral. For a long time, this place has been a beautiful symbol of the magnificent Saigon.
The city post office was built from 1886 to 1891 by the famous French architect Gustave Eiffel. This architect once designed the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, etc., brought a magnificent post office building in the heart of the city.
The cultural imprint of France – Vietnam is clearly shown through the delicate and meticulous architecture of the post office. In particular, the breath of French architecture is reflected in the system of large doorways and domes. At the same time, the gentle yellow color enhances the nostalgic beauty of the hundred-year-old post office.
Not only is the outside space beautiful, but the City Post Office is also impressed with the interior design. Going deep into the post office, you will see the image of 2 historical maps of the city that are delicately and meticulously depicted on both sides of the building. In addition, the entrance with straight rows of green iron columns and glossy brown wooden chairs also creates a very unique beauty for the post office.
In Vietnam, there are many famous French architectural works built for a long time, becoming a beautiful symbol over the years. These are all beautiful check-in coordinates, helping visitors take impressive photos when visiting, learning and discovering the beauty of these works.
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