Begun in 1863 and finished in 1880 with red brick and tiles shipped from France, the cathedral was the centrepiece of the new colonial city of Saigon and later gained its two 58-metre towers. A restoration that began in 2017 has been extended toward 2027, and two new gold-plated crosses were placed on the towers on 19 March 2026. The bronze Our Lady of Peace statue stands in the square in front.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon stands at 1 Cong Xa Paris in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, facing Paris Commune Square. Construction began in 1863, soon after the French took control of Cochinchina, and the building was completed in 1880. It was designed in a Romanesque Revival style with Gothic touches by the French architect Jules Bourard. The red bricks and many of the tiles were imported from France, and the stained glass was also brought from abroad, though much of the original glass was lost in the 20th century. The two bell towers, each about 58 metres tall, were added in 1895 and were topped with iron spires. The cathedral was elevated to the status of a basilica in 1959. In front of the building stands the bronze statue of Our Lady of Peace, installed in 1959, which is the visual focus of the square. The brick exterior is unplastered, giving the facade its distinctive deep-red look. The interior is a nave with side aisles, pointed arches and a series of side chapels, and it contains altars and statues made in France. The curatorial approach is that of a living church rather than a museum: Mass is celebrated according to a regular schedule and visitors are expected to behave accordingly. A major restoration that began in 2017 has repaired the roof, facade and towers, with work continuing toward 2027. Scaffolding and fencing have surrounded parts of the building throughout this period, and the interior has been closed to visitors, so most people view the exterior from the square. Two new gold-plated crosses were placed on the towers in March 2026. The surrounding square, the Saigon Central Post Office next door and the nearby Reunification Palace form a compact colonial-era heritage cluster.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Exterior viewable at any time; the interior has been closed to visitors during restoration, so confirm with the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City |
| Address | 1 Cong Xa Paris, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City |
Why it matters
The cathedral was the centrepiece of French colonial Saigon and remains the symbol of the city's Catholic community and colonial-era urban planning. It was built entirely from materials shipped from France.
Location
1 Cong Xa Paris, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
10.7798, 106.6990 View on map
Highlights
- Red-brick facade with imported French materials
- Twin bell towers of about 58 metres
- Bronze Our Lady of Peace statue in the square
- Compact colonial cluster with the post office next door
Tips for visiting
- Check current access before visiting, as the interior has been closed during restoration.
- Photograph the facade in the early morning or late afternoon when the light warms the brick.
- Pair the visit with the Saigon Central Post Office, which is a few steps away.
- Dress modestly if the interior is open for Mass or visits.
When to visit
Early morning and late afternoon offer cooler weather and better light for photographs. Weekends bring wedding photo shoots to the square.
Accessibility
The square and exterior are on level paved ground and reachable by wheelchair. Interior access depends on the restoration and should be checked in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors go inside the cathedral?
The interior has been closed to visitors during the long restoration, so most people view the exterior from the square. Confirm with the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City before visiting.
How long does a visit take?
About 20 to 30 minutes covers the exterior and square, and about an hour including the post office next door.
Is it suitable with children?
Yes. The square is open and pedestrian-friendly, though traffic circles it.