Da Nang Cathedral

Da Nang Cathedral, or Pink Church, impresses tourists deeply with its adorably pink color and remarkable architecture. It is an especially appealing place to visit in Da Nang.

Da Nang Cathedral is the only church in this city that was built during the French colonial period. Also called the Pink Church, this place allures tourists with its impressive pink color and Gothic architecture. It is undoubtedly a remarkable attraction to visit when tourists travel to Da Nang.

About Da Nang Cathedral (Da Nang Pink Church)

Da Nang Cathedral, or Pink Church Da Nang, is a famous tourist attraction in this Central Vietnam city. It is the only church constructed when Vietnam was still under the control of French colonialists. The cathedral is also one of the few examples of French architecture still remaining in Da Nang.

There are many names for Da Nang Cathedral, including Tourane Church (used during the French colonial period) and Sacred Heart Church of Jesus. To the locals, Da Nang Cathedral is better known as “Rooster Church”. The name refers to the massive bell tower, which has a weathercock in the shape of a rooster on top. Many people assume the rooster is a symbol of France. In fact, it is a symbol associated with St. Peter’s parable in the Gospel about repentance and awakening.

Since Da Nang Cathedral has a prime location right at the bustling city center, this place is easily accessible. 

How to get to Da Nang Pink Church? You can easily walk to Tran Phu Street, where the cathedral is situated, either from Dragon Bridge or Han River Bridge. 

From Han River Bridge, turn left onto Yen Bai Street and go straight for a kilometer. From Dragon Bridge, turn right onto Bach Dang Street and go for 700 meters before turning right onto Pham Phu Thu Street. Turn left onto Tran Phu Street and go for 75 meters more to reach the church.

The route to the church is straight-forward, so visitors can choose to travel by any means of transportation. The bus is the most cost-saving option, but it will take a long time. You can choose to book a Grab ride to get there instead.

In case you love to explore the streets, rent a motorbike. Using a motorbike allows you to plan your schedule to explore the city easier, also.

History of Da Nang Cathedral

The church was constructed in February 1923, and the facade was finished later in September 1923. On March 10, 1924, the church was inaugurated and put into service.

According to records, Da Nang Cathedral was built according to the general layout of Priest Vallet. However, many construction firms did not finish the job. Eventually, three Vo brothers from the Kim Bong Village agreed to take on the construction of the church in 1922. They hired numerous laborers and artisans from their village to work non-stop. That was why the architecture of Da Nang Cathedral, despite bearing a bold Western style, also has some Vietnamese features.

The outstanding architectural features

Da Nang Cathedral has a typical Gothic architectural style. The cathedral is around 70 meters tall. As commonly seen in Western cathedrals, many events in the Bible are depicted inside Pink Church through pictures, drawings, and statues. There are numerous stained glass windows depicting different saints. 

Behind the church is a Marian cave resembling the French Lourdes cave, which further adds to the sacred beauty and peace of this place. There is an alloy figure of a gray rooster on the top of the church, used to determine wind directions.

A medal by the Vatican Holy See has been awarded to Da Nang Church for its impressive architecture.

Da Nang Cathedral mass times and visiting information

Address: 156 Tran Phu, Hai Chau 1, Hai Chau, Danang

Ticket fees: Free

Opening hours

• Weekdays:‌ ‌7:00‌ ‌-‌ ‌19:00‌ (Vietnamese sermons)
• English sermons: 9:00 on Sundays
• Confessions: 14:30 – 15:30 Thursdays and Saturdays

When visiting a sacred place like Da Nang Cathedral, it is essential for travelers to follow the regulations here. Below are some things to note when you visit Da Nang Cathedral:

• Dress appropriately. Avoid revealing clothes. Wear sneakers or sandals, not slip-ons. 
• Keep quiet if you come during mass times. 
• Do not take photos or film during the mass, as it will ruin the sacred atmosphere of the service.
• No tickets are needed. Beware of potential scammers selling fake tickets near the church’s gates.