Hung Nghia Church

Introduction

Hung Nghia Church is the common name of the Shrine of the Holy Hung Nghia Parish Church. One of the most famous Catholic churches in northern Vietnam. The most noticeable thing is the church's architecture. Hung Nghia Church makes you feel like you are stepping into a cathedral in the middle of Europe.

Panoramic view of Hung Nghia Church (view from behind)

Panoramic view of Hung Nghia Church (view from behind)

Built in 1927, Hung Nghia Church has undergone many reconstructions. The church was restored in 2007, making it more beautiful and popular with visitors. So let’s move on with Asia King Travel to discover everything about Hung Nghia Church.

Where is Hung Nghia Church

Hung Nghia Church is located in Hai Hung Commune, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. It is about 30 kilometers from the center of the former Nam Dinh City. Hung Nghia Church is situated 110 kilometers southeast of Hanoi. It is also 80 kilometers southwest of Hai Phong. These are two major cities in Northern Vietnam.

Suggested for you: Red River Delta & Mai Chau Cycling

How to get to Hung Nghia Church

The fastest transportation to Hung Nghia Church from these cities is by car. Driving time from Hanoi is approximately 2.5-3 hours. Visitors from far away should arrive at Noi Bai or Cat Bi International Airport. They can then follow the routes provided below to reach the destination.

Nam Dinh City was also a modern urban area in Northern Vietnam

Nam Dinh City was also a modern urban area in Northern Vietnam

Depart in Hanoi, run straight along National Highway 1A and turn right onto National Highway 21 to arrive at the territory of the former Nam Dinh. Continue following National Highway 21 for about 35 kilometers to Hai Hung Commune.

Best time to visit Hung Nghia Church

Chilly months between November and March will be the best time to visit, especially at Christmas. In the cool weather, suit up warm clothes heading to the church. Listening to the prayers and Christmas carols makes you feel like you are traveling to a Western country.

Hung Nghia Church sparkles on Christmas Eve

Hung Nghia Church sparkles on Christmas Eve

Hung Nghia Church Magnificent Exterior Architecture

Hung Nghia Church is an impressive structure measuring 76 meters long, 33 meters wide, and 24 meters high, with two bell towers reaching 60 meters. The building showcases modern architectural thinking while harmoniously integrating with the surrounding environment.

Hung Nghia Church's bell towers

Hung Nghia Church's bell towers

First-time visitors to Hung Nghia Church are often overwhelmed by the splendor of European Gothic architecture. The entire church is in cool tones of black and gray, creating both an antique and mysterious atmosphere, yet elegant. Keep exploring the church, you might feel as if you've stepped into a castle from a Western mystery novel.

The church's facade is built in the typical style of Western churches, with two towering spires flanking the entrance. The door to the sanctuary is situated in the center. Above the door are statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Our Lady La Vang (Mother Maria).

One side of Hung Nghia Church

One side of Hung Nghia Church

In addition, the church courtyard serves as a catechism and Bible campus. The children wear the uniform of the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement and are required to wear scarves when attending classes. The color of the scarf indicates the child's age, starting with pink for the youngest, then green, blue, yellow, and finally red for the oldest.

The Solemn of Sanctuary’s Interior

Upon entering, you'll be greeted by the revered portraits of Our Lady of La Vang and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Various size stained-glass windows further enhance the sanctuary's ethereal glow. Standing before Jesus, even non-believers may find their souls at peace and ease.

Cozy space inside Hung Nghia Church sanctuary

Cozy space inside Hung Nghia Church sanctuary

In contrast to the exterior, the church's interior is bathed in warm, pure shades of white and gold. In front of the marble-clad columns are small altars dedicated to the disciples of Jesus. Both the small altars and the main sanctuary are gilded.

A place of religious activity for over 4000 parishioners, Hung Nghia Church welcomes the community to attend Mass twice daily. On important Catholic holidays, the church also hosts liturgical celebrations and festive gatherings to enrich the religious life of parishioners.

Some other Catholic churches

Bui Chu Diocese

Located in Xuan Truong District, Bui Chu Diocese was built in 1885, making it one of the oldest churches in Vietnam with over 100 years of history. Bui Chu Diocese is a complex of unique structures including a church, an ancient clock tower, a chapel, a Resurrection Hall, and the Ave Maria Garden.

The ancient Bui Chu Diocese

The ancient Bui Chu Diocese

Phu Nhai Basilica

Also in Xuan Truong District, Phu Nhai Basilica draws visitors in with mysterious beauty, showcased through awe-inspiring architecture. This religious edifice was first constructed in wood in 1866. The church now has an imposing appearance adorned in a predominantly white-gray color scheme.

Saint Dominic statue in front of Phu Nhai Basilica

Saint Dominic statue in front of Phu Nhai Basilica

Nam Dinh Cathedral

Nam Dinh Cathedral sits in the heart of the former Nam Dinh City. Compared to many other churches in the province, the cathedral has a simpler architectural style, yet it still exudes a sense of reverence and calm. The main face of the church faces Tran Hung Dao Street, while the bell tower points towards the west.

Nam Dinh Cathedral is a green oasis in the city

Nam Dinh Cathedral is a green oasis in the city. Source: Tran Viet Anh

Conclusion

Visiting Hung Nghia Church, you are visiting the highest degree of perfect religious structure. The fusion of Eastern and Western cultures will definitely fascinate you. Contact Asia King Travel to get memorable check-in photos in Hung Nghia Church!