(Dan Tri) - After nearly 150 years, So Kien Basilica (Ha Nam) still retains its European architectural style and has become a destination that attracts many visitors from all over the world.
So Kien Basilica (also known as Ke So Church) is located in Kien Khe town, Thanh Liem district, Ha Nam province, about 70km from Hanoi. With its typical European-style architecture, this is one of the famous tourist destinations in Ha Nam province, attracting a large number of visitors from all over the world. The name So Kien is derived from the combination of the names of two villages: So village (or Ninh Phu) in the East, specializing in farming, and Kien village (or Kien Khe), specializing in trading and lime burning. The church began construction on October 25, 1877, completed in 1882 after more than 5 years of construction, and inaugurated in January 1883. Since its completion, this was the cathedral - the heart of the Western Diocese of Dang Ngoai until 1936, after the bishop's residence was moved to Hanoi. The parish lies along the gentle Day River, surrounded by limestone mountains.
So Kien Church was built in the Gothic architectural style, with sophisticated and meticulous lines. Gothic architecture is a Western architectural style famous for its arched doors, pointed towers and elaborate decorative motifs. The bold European architecture attracts many tourists from all over to visit and explore. Ngoc Anh (1997) and a group of friends from Hanoi came to So Kien Church and shared: "I am a person who loves taking photos and often looks for beautiful places to take photos with my friends. I have known about So Kien Church for a long time, but this is the first time I have come here and I am overwhelmed by the massive space and bold Western style. I will definitely have a satisfactory photo album in this beautiful place." Along both sides of the church are the side towers, designed symmetrically, decorated with bold French art patterns. On each peak is a cross, adding solemnity to the church space. After nearly 150 years, the church still stands tall and stands the test of time. The entire exterior of the church remains exactly as it was when it was first built, exuding an ancient look with moss bearing the marks of time. Inside So Kien Church is a large space with a capacity of up to 4,000 - 5,000 people. The architectural lines are still typical Gothic with curved arches, creating elegance, splendor and art for the church. The sanctuary area is made of elaborately carved wood, painted red and gilded in the traditional Vietnamese style. In addition, the side altar, the old pulpit and some other details are also painted red and gilded, increasing the aesthetics and closeness to Vietnamese culture . Of the nearly 6,000 churches nationwide, Vietnam has four minor basilicas. Basilicas, a title given by the Pope, are especially reserved for churches with large, ancient architecture and important historical and spiritual significance. So far, So Kien is the only building in Vietnam with a campus planned and built in the style of the Duomo cathedral complex in Italy. Although it no longer plays the role of the center of the Archdiocese of Hanoi, So Kien still has a very important position and role in the history of Vietnamese Catholicism, and major events are often held here.
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