DISCOVER 5 BEAUTIFUL & ICONIC CATHOLIC CHURCHES IN NAM DINH
Nam Dinh – one of the ancient “Holy Lands” of Catholicism in Vietnam, stands out with its churches that carry deep architectural and spiritual imprints. These churches not only reflect Catholic spirituality but also display the beauty shaped through many historical vicissitudes.
In this article, Vietnam Catholic Tours invites you to explore 5 Beautiful & Iconic Catholic churches in Nam Dinh – unmissable destinations for pilgrims and cultural travelers!
1. Phu Nhai Basilica
📍 Tra Lu Commune, Xuan Truong District, Nam Dinh Province
Phu Nhai Basilica (officially the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception of Phu Nhai) is considered one of the largest churches in Southeast Asia. The first wooden church was built in 1866 by Fr. Emmanuel Riano Hoa, shortly after the 1865 edict ending Catholic prohibition, in grand Gothic style. With a length of 80m, width of 27m, height of 30m and twin bell towers soar to 44m, Phu Nhai was elevated to a Minor Basilica in 2008, one of only four in Vietnam.
Basilica of Immaculate Conception in Phu Nhai
Beyond its monumental structure, Phu Nhai Basilica is also a sacred historical site housing the reliquary of 83 martyrs of the diocese, evoking reverence and inspiring faithful witness to Christ. With its signature Gothic architecture and spiritual significance, Phu Nhai remains a living monument of Vietnamese Catholic identity and missionary heritage, drawing thousands of pilgrims and visitors.
Inside Phu Nhai Church with majestic Gothic architecture and a solemn Mass atmosphere.
Read more about Phu Nhai Basilica HERE
2. Lac Mon Parish Church
📍 Lac Mon Village, Truc Hung Commune, Truc Ninh District, Nam Dinh Province
Lac Mon Parish Church is among the earliest Catholic communities in Northern Vietnam, tracing its missionary roots back to 1533, when Fr. Inikhu (I-nê-khu) arrived and planted the seeds of faith.
Of particular reverence here is the martyrdom of Fr. Peter Do Tuu in 1848. A memorial was built beside the church, honoring the collective tomb of Fr. Tuu and local faithful. During the exhumation of his relics in 2009, the exhumation of Fr. Do Tuu’s remains reportedly yielded a “flow of red liquid,” regarded by the faithful as a miraculous sign (fidei signum) affirming his sanctity.
Though modest in size, Lac Mon remains a vibrant pilgrimage site, especially on the memorial feast of the martyrs. It stands as one of the prominent Catholic pilgrimage destinations in Nam Dinh.
Lac Mon Parish Church – one of the most prominent churches in Nam Dinh
Inside Lac Mon Church
3. Ninh Cuong Shrine (Marian Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary)
📍 Truc Cuong Commune, Truc Ninh District, Nam Dinh Province
Alongside Lac Mon, Ninh Cuong Shrine is among the first locations in Vietnam to receive the Gospel, through Fr. Inikhu in 1533. It became one of the earliest Christian communities and is now a central Marian pilgrimage site in the Diocese of Bui Chu. The wooden church is 65m long, 24m wide, and 18m high, with a central wooden bell tower soaring 50m – one of the tallest of its kind in the country.
The shrine also preserves the relics of many 19th-century martyrs, including St. Joseph Nguyen Dinh Uyen OP (1775–1838), St. Dominic Nguyen Van Tu OP (1796–1838), and several bishops and priests. Ninh Cuong testifies to the profound bond between faith heritage and Marian devotion.
Every October, the Rosary procession gathers thousands of faithful in a powerful witness of faith, making it a leading pilgrimage destination in Nam Dinh.
Ninh Cuong Shrine – a Marian pilgrimage center known for having the tallest wooden towers in the Bui Chu Diocese
4. Bui Chu Cathedral
📍 Xuan Ngoc Commune, Xuan Truong District, Nam Dinh Province
Bui Chu Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in Vietnam and a living testament to East-West cultural and missionary exchange. Its unique Baroque-style architecture blended with Vietnamese tradition spans more than 130 years. The church is 78m long, 22m wide, 15m high, with two bell towers reaching 35m and a gate tower with an antique clock ordered from France in 1922.
Bui Chu Cathedral is not only the liturgical center of the diocese but also a symbol of enduring faith and Catholic tradition in Nam Dinh. It remains a popular destination for the faithful to pray, visit, and immerse themselves in the history of Vietnamese Catholicism.
Bui Chu Cathedral – one of the oldest churches in Vietnam (Collected)
Inside the ancient Bui Chu Cathedral (Collected)
5. Hung Nghia Church
📍 Hai Hung Commune, Hai Hau District, Nam Dinh Province
Hung Nghia Church impresses with its grand Gothic architecture. Built in 1927, it features a main nave 76m long, 22m wide, 24m high with twin bell towers reaching 60m, reflecting a modern yet classical style. Its majestic domes and unique towers blend European influences with Vietnamese spirit.
After restoration, Hung Nghia has become a popular tourist and pilgrimage site. It hosts many religious festivals, enriching Nam Dinh’s Catholic culture and drawing both the faithful and cultural explorers.
Hung Nghia Church – A unique European-style architecture that attracts thousands of faithful (Collected)
Panoramic view inside Hung Nghia Church with its magnificent Gothic architecture (Collected)
Nam Dinh is not only the cradle of Catholicism in Northern Vietnam but also a sacred land of beautiful churches rich in spiritual and historical meaning. A pilgrimage to discover the 5 Beautiful & Iconic Catholic Churches in Nam Dinh offers a deep encounter with faith, heritage, and the enduring beauty of Vietnamese Catholicism.
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