Mang Lang Church

Located peacefully by the Cai River, Mang Lang Church is one of the oldest churches in Vietnam, which was built in 1892. With its characteristic Gothic architecture and more than a century of history, this place is not only a spiritual destination but also a cultural symbol, preserving many historical values ​​of Phu Yen land. Let’s discover this ancient attraction with Asia King Travel! 

Mang Lang Church is one of the oldest churches in Vietnam. Source: Migo

Location and how to get there

Mang Lang Church is located in Mang Lang Village, An Thach Commune, Tuy An District, Phu Yen Province. This is one of the most prominent ancient architectural works of the Central region, only about 35km north of Tuy Hoa City and near National Highway 1A, which is convenient for travel. 

The church is one of the most prominent ancient architectural works. Source: Phu Yen Travel

From the center of Hanoi, visitors can choose one of the most convenient routes, which is to travel by plane from Noi Bai Airport to Tuy Hoa Airport in Phu Yen, with a travel time of about 2 hours. From the airport, you can rent a motorbike or book a taxi to continue the journey of about 40 minutes along the National Highway 1A - DT641 Road - Mang Lang Church.

You can get to the church quickly and easily by many ways. Source: iVIVU

If you are in the center of Tuy Hoa City, you might get to the church quickly and easily. From Tuy Hoa City, you can follow the direction of Hung Vuong Street - National Highway 1A to the North for about 30km, then turn onto DT641 Road for more than 5km to arrive, and the travelling time is about 40 to 45 minutes. 

History 

Mang Lang Church was under construction in 1892 by a French priest, Joseph de La Cassagne, on land belonging to Mang Lang Village (now An Thach Commune, Tuy An District). The name "Mang Lang" was given after a tree species that grew abundantly in this area at that time. Since its completion, the church has been an important missionary center in the South Central region, a place for religious activities of many parishioners in the sector.

The church has been an important missionary center in the region. Source: Saigoneer

The church not only has religious value but also has a special significance in the journey of developing Vietnamese culture. Here, priest Alexandre de Rhodes, who made great contributions in the formation and dissemination of the national language, once preached in the 17th century. Therefore, the Mang Lang Church is also known as the place to preserve the national writing heritage.

The church is also known as the place to preserve the national writing heritage. Source: Migo 

In particular, behind the church, there is an underground cellar displaying a copy of the book Cathechismus, the first work printed in Vietnam’s national language in 1651 in Rome. This is a priceless heritage not only for the church but also for the country's culture.

This is a priceless heritage of the church and also the country's culture. Source: Migo

For more than 130 years of existence, Mang Lang Church has undergone many historical changes, but still retains almost its original architecture. Over time, this place has increasingly become an attractive destination not only for Catholics but also for tourists who love Vietnamese history, architecture, and culture.

Best time to visit

The ideal time to visit Mang Lang Church is from January to August every year, when the weather in Phu Yen is dry, sunny, and convenient for traveling and exploring. Especially in spring, the fresh air and beautiful natural scenery will make your visit more interesting.

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What to do at the church?

Admiring the ancient Gothic architecture 

When arriving at Mang Lang Church, the first thing that impresses visitors is the classic European beauty of the building. The church was built in the Gothic architectural style with pointed arches, stained glass windows, and thick, cool limestone walls. The main facade of the church consists of two tall, symmetrical bell towers, with many elaborately carved patterns.

The classic European beauty of the church will impress visitors. Source: Phu Long

Although it has existed for more than a century, the building still retains its majestic, calm appearance amidst the sunny and windy nature of the Central region, making you feel like you are returning to a miniature Europe in the heart of Phu Yen. 

Discovering the underground vault 

A special spot not to be missed is the small vault behind Mang Lang Church, where a copy of the first book of the Vietnamese national language is kept. The cellar has a stone entrance, and the space inside is quite cool and quiet. 

A small vault behind the church keeps valuable documents. Source: Daisy House Homestay

You will see with your own eyes valuable documents related to the birth of Vietnamese script, the missionary work of Alexandre de Rhodes, and ancient religious artefacts. Many people share the feeling of being "overwhelmed" and scared when first coming into contact with such a unique cultural heritage.

Learning about the missionary process and the historical role 

Not only a place of worship, Mang Lang Church is also a living witness to an important stage of Catholicism's development in Vietnam. Holiday-makers will be able to learn about the difficult missionary journey of European priests in this land, the reception and spread of Catholicism in the Vietnamese community at that time.

The church is also a living witness of Catholicism's development in Vietnam. Source: VinWonders

In addition, this is also the birthplace of Saint Andrew Phu Yen - one of the first martyrs of Vietnam, beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2000. Each story, each detail, contributes to helping tourists better understand the cultural and historical role of this place.

Taking photos

With its peaceful natural scenery, surrounding ancient trees, and calm architecture of Mang Lang Church, this is an ideal place for visitors to capture memorable moments. Many people choose to come to the church early in the morning or late in the afternoon to take advantage of the soft light, creating artistic photos.

This is an ideal place for visitors to capture memorable moments. Source: Quy Nhon Tourist 

Many young people and professional photographers have also chosen Mang Lang Church as the setting for wedding photos, souvenir photos, or travel photos imbued with nostalgia and spirituality.

Conclusion 

Mang Lang Church is not only a rare architectural work but also a place that preserves many historical and cultural values ​​of Phu Yen. Coming here, travelers will have an opportunity to learn about the history of the missionary, admire the ancient Gothic structure, and enjoy the peaceful, calm space. This is a destination not to be missed when you come to Vietnam. Plan now with Asia King Travel! 

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