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Nestled in the heart of Da Lat, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, affectionately known as Chicken Church, stands as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This building holds great architectural, historical, and religious value to the locals. Let’s explore this impressive work with Asia King Travel!
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The Cathedral of St. Nicholas
The Cathedral of St. Nicholas is located at No. 13 Tran Phu Road, Xuan Huong Ward, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province. The church follows a classic, symmetric architectural style, creating a solemn space for the sacred ceremonies of the diocese.
The fastest and most popular way is traveling by plane. You will catch a flight to Lien Khuong Airport, then head for the city center by bus or taxi.
Traveling by train or bus is less convenient, yet more economical. The former takes around 2 days, but you have to stop by Nha Trang Station to catch a bus to Da Lat, since Da Lat doesn’t have a station. The latter is suitable for those departing from nearby cities. The commuting time may be up to one day, depending on your departure point. So consider your health and budget before making a decision.
The Cathedral of St. Nicholas is located in the city center. From there, you’ll head to the roundabout near Da Lat Market and take the second exit onto Le Dai Hanh Street. At the next roundabout, turn right and continue for about 100 meters until you reach an intersection. From this point, turn left and go uphill for around 200 meters to arrive at the church.
The Cathedral of St. Nicholas opens every day and doesn’t charge any fee to visitors.
However, if you’re planning a trip to Da Lat and also want to attend mass, you can join services at 5:15 am or 5:15 pm on weekdays. On Sundays, there are five different masses at 5:30, 7:00, 8:30 in the morning, and 4:00 or 6:00 in the evening. Therefore, you can easily find a time that fits your plans and make sure not to miss the chance to attend mass while in the city.
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Sacred ceremonies are celebrated at the cathedral
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The Cathedral of St. Nicholas can be visited year-round, but the most beautiful time is usually from November to March, when Da Lat enters its dry season. The skies are clear, and the pink facade of the church stands out even more under the bright sunshine. This period is also festival season in Da Lat, with Christmas and New Year decorations adding extra charm around the church.
If you love flowers, January and February are especially magical, as cherry blossoms bloom across the city, making the church’s surroundings even more picturesque.
The Cathedral of St. Nicholas was constructed on July 19, 1931, when Bishop Colomban Dreyer, the Apostolic Delegate of Indochina and Thailand, laid the first stone. It took nearly 11 years to complete the church, and it was finally inaugurated on January 25, 1942.
The church is more well-known with a lovely name, Con Ga Church (Chicken Church), due to a lightning rod shaped like a rooster that tops its bell tower. Regarding this iconic feature, some say it represents France (the Gaulle rooster), while others link it to a passage in the New Testament, where Jesus tells Peter: “Before the rooster crows tonight, you will deny me three times.”
Either way, this little chicken has become a beloved symbol of the cathedral and a memorable part of Da Lat’s heritage.
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Con Ga Church got its name due to a lightning rod shaped like a rooster that tops its bell tower
The Cathedral of St. Nicholas is a fine example of European Romanesque architecture in Vietnam. Built in the shape of a Latin cross, the church measures 65 meters long, 14 meters wide, with a 47-meter-high bell tower that offers panoramic views of Da Lat. Its main entrance faces the majestic Langbiang Mountain.
Inside, the sanctuary has three aisles with vaulted ceilings and classical-style columns arranged in strict symmetry. The walls are decorated with reliefs, while the roof is covered with slate tiles. One of the highlights is the set of 70 stained-glass windows crafted in Grenoble, France, which create a magical, colorful glow inside the church.
The exterior is painted in a soft pink hue, giving the cathedral both elegance and warmth. On top of the cross stands the iconic metal rooster, which can rotate with the wind. This unique feature has become a symbol deeply tied to both French influence and Christian tradition.
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The stunning interior of the church
Whether you come to admire its European-inspired design, join a mass, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas is a must-see stop on any trip to Da Lat. More than a religious site, it is a cultural treasure that reflects both French heritage and local devotion. Let’s contact Asia King Travel now to plan your adventure to Da Lat’s landmarks!
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