(VOVWORLD) -Long Xuyen Cathedral of the Long Xuyen Diocese in An Giang province is one of the most representative Catholic architectural works in Vietnam’s southwestern region.
 Long Xuyen Cathedral (Photo: Ngoc Anh) |
The Long Xuyen Cathedral was built in 1958 with Father Pius Nguyen Huu My having been in charge. It was then expanded and officially inaugurated on August 15, 1973. The cathedral borders three main streets. At the front is Nguyen Hue pedestrian street overlooking the Hau River and a park. Two side-streets enhance its convenience for sightseeing and religious services.
Giuse Nguyen Huu Bien, Chairman of the Pastoral Council of Long Xuyen Cathedral Parish, said, “The building is 65 meters long, 18 meters wide, and 20 meters high, with the original bell tower reaching 55 meters. There is a statue of the Virgin Mary at the front. There are about 6,000 parishioners here.”
Long Xuyen Cathedral stands out for its solemn and graceful beauty, harmoniously combining modern Art Deco architecture with classical Gothic style. The entrances are delicately designed, creating a sense of balance to the entire structure. The most striking feature of the cathedral is its bell tower rising into the blue sky, with solid forms and simple yet dignified lines.
 People visit the Cathedral during Christmas 2025 (Photo: Ngoc Anh) |
Ngo Thi Bich Van, a parishioner in An Giang province, said, “Long Xuyen Cathedral is the largest one in Long Xuyen ward. It is spacious and beautiful. It’s our pride. A lot of parishioners from different places come to attend services here. It also attracts a large number of tourists.”
The cathedral’s facade is highlighted by a large statue of the Virgin Mary. For this reason, the cathedral is also known as Queen of Peace Cathedral. Parishioner Huynh Thi Kieu Loan said, “Long Xuyen Cathedral bears the symbol of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Queen of Peace. She holds Jesus in her arms, which symbolizes peace. This is the main church of the Long Xuyen parish.”
The cathedral is surrounded with abundant green spaces, ornamental plants, and a nativity scene. Inside, the cathedral looks spacious and is filled with natural light filtering through stained-glass windows.
 A service at Long Xuyen Cathedral (Photo: Ngoc Anh) |
Hung Phan, a Vietnamese Canadian of An Giang origin, told VOV, “The cathedral was inaugurated in 1973, when I was 16 years old. I have to admit that the architect who built the church was very talented. After so many years, it still looks beautiful. The exterior remains the same as it did back then.”
“The cathedral is spacious and tall. Its architecture is very beautiful. During Christmas, it is brilliantly decorated. A large number of people come to visit and attend Christmas services,” according to Vu Tien Phat, a student at An Giang University.
Long Xuyen Cathedral has stood the test of time as a distinctive Catholic architectural symbol and a familiar tourist attraction in An Giang province.