The need of renovation
The Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon after 140 years
The Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, a beacon of French Gothic architecture in Vietnam, has stood the test of time since its completion in the late 19th century. Revered not just as a religious symbol, and a popular tourist site, but also as an architectural marvel, the cathedral has witnessed the ebb and flow of Saigon’s history. However, the passage of time has not been kind to this historic edifice.
Over a decade of its history, the cathedral has experienced significant wear and tear. The once resplendent red bricks, imported from Marseille, began to lose their luster, succumbing to the relentless tropical climate. The roof tiles, made from Phú Hữu and Đồng Nai tiles, showed signs of severe deterioration. The iconic twin bell towers, which have long stood as a symbol of the city’s skyline, were not spared either. The wooden frames supporting the bells showed signs of rot, and the zinc sheeting on the towers started to corrode.
A poignant reflection on the cathedral’s condition came from Father Hồ Văn Xuân, the head of the renovation committee. In an interview, he remarked, “The cathedral is not just a place of worship; it’s a piece of history that needs to be preserved. Every crack in its walls, every faded brick, tells a story of our city’s past.”
The decision to renovate
The decision to renovate Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral was a response to the urgent need to preserve this iconic structure. Recognizing the cathedral’s deteriorating condition, the church authorities, supported by the local government and cultural preservationists, embarked on a comprehensive renovation plan. “This renovation is a commitment to our heritage, to restore and preserve a symbol of our collective identity,” stated Nguyen Thanh Phong, the then-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, emphasizing the project’s cultural significance.
Overview of the Renovation
Initial planning and goals
- Setting Objectives: The primary goal was to restore the cathedral to its original grandeur while ensuring its structural integrity for future generations. The plan included the restoration of the exterior façade, interior refurbishments, and structural reinforcements.
- Collaboration with Experts: The project involved collaboration with a team of local and international experts in architecture, history, and conservation. “Our approach combines the expertise of Vietnamese and international conservationists to honor the cathedral’s heritage,” explained Lê Quang Ninh, a prominent Vietnamese architect involved in the project.
Challenges in early stages
- Assessment of Damage: A thorough assessment revealed the extent of the damage, which was more severe than initially anticipated. The assessment included structural analyses, material studies, and historical research.
- Sourcing Materials: One of the early challenges was sourcing materials that matched the original construction, particularly the unique red bricks and roof tiles. “Finding the exact match for the original materials was crucial to maintain the authenticity of the cathedral,” noted Jean-François Milou, a French conservation architect consulted for the project.
Funding and support
- Financial Planning: The renovation was a costly endeavor (around 140 billion VND in 2017) It required careful financial planning and the mobilization of funds from various sources, including the church, government, and private donors.
- Community Involvement: The project received widespread support from the local community and the international community. “This cathedral is a treasure of Saigon. Its restoration is a matter of pride for all of us,” said Trần Văn Minh, a local historian and supporter of the project.
Challenges Along the Way
The ambitious renovation of Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon faced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The global crisis not only disrupted the restoration timeline but also added layers of complexity to an already intricate endeavor.
One of the most immediate impacts was on the supply chain. The pandemic caused significant delays in the delivery of essential materials, many of which were sourced from Europe. “The logistics of getting the right materials to Saigon became a nightmare,” said Jean-François Milou, a French conservation architect involved in the project. This disruption was particularly problematic for the cathedral’s renovation, which relied heavily on specific materials to maintain its historical integrity.
The pandemic’s restrictions brought about a slowdown in the renovation work. Lockdowns and social distancing measures meant fewer workers on-site and a halt in the progress during the peak of the pandemic. “We had to prioritize the health and safety of our workers, which inevitably led to delays,” commented Father Hồ Văn Xuân, head of the renovation committee. The original completion date of 2020 was pushed back, with new estimates pointing towards a 2027 completion.
The delays and logistical challenges brought about by the pandemic also had financial implications. The increased costs due to extended timelines and the rising price of materials added to the financial burden of the project. This aspect was particularly challenging, given the project’s reliance on a mix of church funds, government support, and private donations.
Progress and Current Status (2023-2027)
Six years into the renovation, Saigon’s Notre Dame Cathedral, located in District 1, has achieved approximately half of its projected progress, with a target completion date set for late 2027. Initially expected to be finished within this year, the project encountered setbacks due to the prolonged impact of COVID-19, which disrupted the supply chain of materials from Europe and led to a price surge of 30-40%.
Reassessing the situation with the Belgian renovation team, Father Ignatio Hồ Văn Xuân, who leads the restoration efforts, emphasized the necessity for meticulous and unhurried work to ensure the extended durability of the cathedral.
Contrasting with its appearance in 2017, the cathedral is now surrounded by a barrier about 3 meters tall. The front has been equipped with scaffolding that reaches over 60 meters to the peaks of the twin towers for the ongoing restoration.
The cathedral, a historic construction completed in three years starting from 1877, was honored as a basilica by the Vatican in 1959. Its design was the brainchild of the architect J. Bourard.
In a significant development in the restoration of the Notre Dame Cathedral, the focus of the contractors has shifted to the repair of the two bell towers and zinc towers. Atop the four corners of these towers are hundreds of eroded limestone blocks, known as Pierre de Paris, each weighing approximately 4 tons. Due to their substantial weight, these blocks are being segmented into smaller 500 kg pieces for elevator transportation.
Following expert consultations, the restoration committee has decided to use Pierre de Massengis limestone as a replacement. This variety, known for its durability and aesthetic appeal, is sourced from France and then sent to Belgium for fabrication, modeled on the original stone blocks. The total weight of the limestone imported for installation on the towers is close to 90 tons, with a portion already mounted on the towers.
The zinc towers, now completely enclosed in scaffolding, exhibit extensive oxidation and corrosion on their coverings, a consequence of over 140 years of exposure. The renovation includes replacing the existing material with Azengar plus zinc sheets to re-cover these towers.
In early March 2023, the cathedral undertook the delicate task of removing two 127-year-old crosses, each measuring over 1.8 meters in width and nearly 4 meters in height, weighing 600 kg, from the roof to send to Belgium for restoration. These crosses, having endured extensive rust and decay over time, are an integral part of the cathedral’s historical legacy.
In a comprehensive assessment by the construction unit, the foundation and structure of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon have been deemed to be in excellent condition, allowing religious activities to continue inside the premises. According to Father Hồ Văn Xuân, the interior of the cathedral is set to undergo significant improvements, including a complete overhaul of the ventilation system. This upgrade is aimed at providing a more comfortable environment for the congregation during mass, especially in the hot season.
Furthermore, Father Xuân revealed plans to install a grand pipe organ in the sanctuary, emulating the practice found in many European cathedrals. This addition is expected to enhance the musical experience during services, adding a rich auditory dimension to the already visually stunning interior.
Post-renovation, the Notre Dame Cathedral is projected to extend its lifespan by at least another century. In line with this goal, the cathedral authorities plan to establish a dedicated maintenance team, akin to those found in European cathedrals, to ensure timely and efficient repairs as needed. This initiative reflects a commitment to preserving the cathedral’s historical and cultural significance for future generations.
What visitors should do
As the Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon undergoes its extensive renovation with an expected completion in 2027, visitors to this iconic site are advised to adjust their expectations and plans. While the cathedral’s exterior and certain sections undergo transformation, here are some recommendations for tourists and locals alike:
Viewing from a distance
Visitors can still appreciate the grandeur of the cathedral from a distance. The surrounding areas offer vantage points for those looking to capture photographs of the cathedral’s exterior, including its intricate scaffolding and restoration work in progress
While the cathedral’s interior is under renovation, religious ceremonies and masses may be held outdoors or in adjacent buildings. Visitors and worshippers are welcome to participate in these events, offering a unique opportunity to experience the local religious practices.
Planning for future visits
For those specifically looking to experience the cathedral in its fully restored state, planning a visit post-2027 is advisable. The completion of the restoration is expected to reveal the cathedral in its renewed splendor, making a future visit even more rewarding.
Exploring nearby attractions
The vicinity of the cathedral is rich in cultural and historical sites. Tourists are encouraged to visit nearby attractions such as the Saigon Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace, and the War Remnants Museum, all of which offer unique insights into Vietnam’s history and culture. In case you want to explore all of the interesting, check out the best Ho Chi Minh City sightseeing tour here:
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