Hoi An Catholic Church is one of the interesting attractions in Hoi An Old Town, Vietnam. It may be the oldest church in Vietnam. Nowadays, this religious building is still in use and visitors can come to sightsee, pray or go to the mass. It proves the diversity of religions and beliefs in the world heritage site. So now, let’s HoiAn Day Trip Company provide all information about Hoi An Catholic Church in Hoi An Vietnam.
You may also like: Hoi An Evangelical Church, Marian Shrine of the Lady of Tra Kieu, Da Nang Cathedral
• Content by Tam Le, founder of HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD
• Designed by Giang Cong Minh, co-founder of LS E&C LTD and his team
• Photo by Dang Cong Loi, Dao Xuan Son, Tam Le & others
Must Knows about Hoi An Catholic Church
– Location/address: 106 Nguyen Truong To Street, Minh An ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam
– Other name(s): Hoi An Church, Hoi An Christian Church
– Opening hours: 8 AM to 5 PM everyday, mass times
– Year of establishment: 1616
– Ticket price: free
– Reason(s) to visit: the largest church in Hoi An, the oldest church in Vietnam
– Best time to visit: mass times
– Time to spend: 10-20 mins
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/hoi-an-catholic-church
– Recognition(s): historical site of Quang Nam province (2008), Unesco world heritage site (1999)
– Tour guide: contact +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo)
– Food & drink: not available
– Shopping: yes available
– Fact: The Hoi An Catholic Church may be the oldest church in Vietnam.
Hoi An Catholic Church on Map
History of Christianity in Hoi An Vietnam
After the 15th century, Hoi An was an international trading port, therefore it’s a destination for merchants, migrants, and European missionaries.
In 1523, a priest went to Cham Islands, an offshore archipelago of Hoi An, and then carved a cross on the rock here to commemorate his visit.
In 1614, Japan was closed, persecuted Christianity, and excelled priests. For that reason, many Japanese priests and European missionaries moved to Vietnam.
On 18th January 1615, Francesco Buzomi (1576-1639, Italian Jesuit missionary), Diogo de Carvalho (1578-1624, Portuguese Jesuit missionary) and three friars (including two Japanese persons) visited Hoi An port. Buzomi was sent to Macau, a Portuguese colony in southern China in 1608 and studied theology here for one year. Later, he was asked to go on a mission to middle Vietnam because of no missionaries according to a captain. In 1615, he landed on Da Nang and then lived in Hoi An until 1639. About Diogo de Carvalho, he returned to Japan in 1616 after a year in Vietnam.
On 18th January 1616, Francesco Buzomi established Hoi An parish and then built Hoi An church, making it the oldest in Vietnam.
In 1617, Francisco de Pina (1585-1625), a Portuguese interpreter, missionary and priest arrived in Hoi An and took residence here. He came to replace the work of evangelization of Francesco Buzomi and Diogo de Carvalho.
In 1624, three Jesuit missionaries Alexandre de Rhodes (1593-1660), Girolamo Maiorica (1591-1656), Joao Cabral (1599-?), and two or three others, traveled from Macau to Hoi An.
History & Architecture of Hoi An Catholic Church
On 18th January 1616, Francesco Buzomi established Hoi An parish and then built Hoi An church, making it the oldest in Vietnam.
In 1914, local Christians at Hoi An re-constructed the church by wood. Twenty years later, it’s rebuilt again by wood, with a Gothic architectural style. In 1965, once again, ‘Hoi An Catholic Church’ was rebuilt, but by bricks. In 2008, this church was recognized as a provincial historic site of Quang Nam.
The Hoi An Catholic Church was constructed in 1935, with a Gothic architectural style. However, in 1965, it’s destructed and replaced by a new building. This building survives until today.
About the architecture, current Hoi An Catholic Church has Neo-Gothic style (an architectural style borned in the middle of the 18th century in England) fusioned with local traditional housing style. In the front, there is a statue of Agnes Le Thi Thanh to the left and a statue of Andrew Phu Yen to the right. These are two of 117 Vietnamese martyrs (in Catholicism). Agnes Le Thi Thanh (woman) was borned in 1781 in a christian family, in northern province of Vietnam Thanh Hoa. At age of 18, she married another Christian and then they had 6 childs. She helped local priests to avoid the local magistrates who were under emperor Minh Mang’s decrees to persecute the Christianity in Ninh Binh. Although captured and jailed, she still kept her religion. In 1841, she passed away in prison and in 1988, honored to be a martyr of Vietnam. On the other hand, Andrew Phu Yen (man) was borned in 1624 and then baptized in 1641 with his mother. He assisted Jesuit missionaries and their activities in the Hoi An area. In 1644, he was captured, jailed and sentenced to death because wanted to keep his religion. Later, his body was brought to Macau and his head was taken to Roma in Italy.
On the left side of the yard in front of the Hoi An Catholic Church, there is a cave. On the right side of the Hoi An Catholic Church, there are tombs of missionaries and priests who stayed here in the past.
Tombs of European Missionaries
In the same ground of the Hoi An Catholic Church, three are tombs of 3 priests. In 1980, Le Nhu Hao priest moved these tombs from another church. About the size, all of them are 1,6 meters long, 0,75 meters wide, and 0,3 meters tall. They lie parallely and in a piece of land on the right hand side of the church.
– Gulielmo Mahot (left): a French man who was appointed to be priest of the Hoi An Catholic Church in 1682, in the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris. On 1st June 1684, he opened the second synod at Hoi An.
– Perez (middle): a Portuguese-The man who was appointed to be priest of the Hoi An Catholic Church in October 1691, in the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris. He passed away in July 1728 while on duty, at Duy Xuyen district.
– Valore Rist (right): a German who was appointed to be priest of the Hoi An Catholic Church in 1735, in the Franciscans. He passed away in 1737.
Next to these priest’s tombs, there are tombs of two clergies, including one Vietnamese and one French that were older.
Mass Times at Hoi An Catholic Church
From Monday to Saturday, the mass time at Hoi An Catholic Church is at 5:00 am and 6:00 pm (5:30 pm on Saturday).
On Sunday, the mass time at Hoi An Catholic Church is at 5:30 am, 9 am, 4 pm and 6:30 pm.
Tips to Visit Hoi An Catholic Church in Hoi An
– Hoi An Catholic Church doesn’t open its interior for visitors, except at mass times. Therefore, visitors are only able to walk around and take pictures with its façade.
– Hoi An Catholic Church is a holy place, so visitors need to wear it respectively when visiting. In other words, it’s needed to wear clothes which cover the armpits, novel, breast, and upper knees.
– During mass times, visitors are not allowed to sightsee and take pictures (please see the mass time reschedule above). Those who are catholics, can go in and pray.
– In the dry season, from February to end of August, visitors should bring sun cream, sun glasses, hat/cap/umbrella, and bottles of water.
– In the rainy season, from September to January, visitors should bring rain poncho/jacket, umbrella, sandals or waterproof shoes.
– Visitors do not need to buy ticket to enter Hoi An Catholic Church.
– It’s better to visit Hoi An Old Town with a local guide. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo).
How to Get to Hoi An Catholic Church
The Hoi An Catholic Church is at 106 Nguyen Truong To St, Minh An ward, Hoi An city, Vietnam. It lies within the Hoi An Ancient Town world heritage site.
From Hoi An, visitors can go to the Hoi An Catholic Church by walking, bicycle, motorcycle, taxi/car, electric bus, shuttle bus of the hotel/resort, cyclo, bus/minivan. This attraction is NOT in the pedestrian zone, therefore cars can get there anytime during the day. Parking for bicycle and the motorcyle is free. If cycle, please lock your bicycle to keep it safe.
From Da Nang, the distance to the Hoi An Catholic Church is some 30 kilometers, to the south. Visitors often choose a car or ride the motorbike by themselves. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/zalo/line) to book a private roundtrip transfer by car.
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes transfers to Hoi An and Da Nang. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Itinerary to Visit Hoi An Old Town for First Timer
First of all, to enter and visit the Hoi An Old Town (the part inscribed by Unesco), visitors need to buy an entry ticket. Its price is 120,000 VND per adult and children above 15 years old and free of charge for smaller kids. Entry to 5 attractions is also included for free. See more information & details
If possible, first time visitors should go with a local guide, to know better about history and culture. Contact us by +84968009827 (call/whatsapp) to book a private English-speaking guide.
We suggest this itinerary for first timers:
Total distance: 1,65 kilometers
– Starting point: the Japanese style gate (the west end of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street). A model of the Red Seal Ship (Japanese merchant’s ship) and a ticket office are in a close distance.
– Walk along Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street. On this road, visitors will have the chance to sightsee Cam Pho Communal House (ticket required), Japanese Culture Gallery (ticket required), Phung Hung Old House (one of the best heritage houses, ticket required), Nguyen Tuong Family Chapel (in the alleyway, ticket required).
– Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the symbol of Hoi An. This place definitely is a must see attraction.
– Walk along Tran Phu Street, the most beautiful road in Hoi An, until Hoi An Central Market. On this road, visitors will have the chance to sightsee so many historical attractions. From the bridge to the market, there are Cantonese Assembly Hall (ticket required), Museum of Sa Huynh Culture (ticket required), Duc An Old House (ticket required), Kazik Park (free), Quan Thang Old House (ticket required), Museum of Trade Ceramics (ticket required), Trung Hoa Assembly Hall (ticket required), Fujian Assembly Hall (ticket required), Quan Cong Temple (ticket required), Quan Am Pagoda (ticket required), Hoi An Central Market (free to enter), a couple of rooftop coffee shops, Instagrammable spots, shophouses selling lanterns, food, souvenirs and fashion items.
– Walk southwards and along Tieu La Street (east side of Hoi An Central Market). On this road, there are many vendors and stalls selling a diversity of local products, giving a good chance to know about local life and photograph.
– Walk westwards and along Bach Dang Street (the riverside street). On this road, visitors will see Hoi An Traditional Performance House (ticket required if want to watch shows) and Museum of Folklore (ticket required).
– Turn into Le Loi Street and then turn left, walking along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. On this road, visitors will see Tan Ky Old House (one of the best heritage houses, ticket required) and Diep Dong Nguyen Old House (not yet opened to visitors, see from outside).
– The ending point: the crossroad near the north end of An Hoi Bridge or the west end of Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. In the evening, from here, visitors can walk cross the bridge and then turn right to see the entrance of the Hoi An Night Market, the biggest night market in Hoi An.
For more information and details, please browse https://hoiandaytrip.com/hoi-an-self-guided-walking-tour
Guided Tours to Hoi An Ancient Town Vietnam
From Hoi An
– Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour – 2 Hour Express Tour with Local
– Hoi An Half Day Walking Tour: Heritage Sites, Crafts & Show
– Hoi An Early Morning Walking Tour with Local Pho & Coffee
– Hoi An Afternoon Walking Tour + Thu Bon River Sunset Cruise
– Hoi An Night Tour from Hoi An: Lantern Boat, Markets & Food
– Hoi An Walking Tour with Sightseeing & Cooking Class
– Hoi An Late Afternoon Walking Tour with Local Food Tastings
– Hoi An Walking Tour with Thanh Ha Pottery Village by Boat
– Hoi An Instagram Tour: Best Photo Spots & Rooftop Café
– Hoi An Old Town Food Tour with Night Boat Ride
– Hoi An Old Town Private Walking Tour with Local Expert (4 hours duration from departure time)
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes tours in Hoi An and Da Nang. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
From Da Nang
– Hoi An Half Day Tour from Da Nang
– Hoi An Night Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Night Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Highlights Tour
– Marble Mountain, Lady Buddha & Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang
– Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang with Chinese Speaking Guide
– My Son Sanctuary & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang
– Golden Bridge/Ba Na Hills Tour & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang Cruise Port
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Tour from Chan May Cruise Port
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes tours in Hoi An and Da Nang. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Places to Visit near Hoi An Catholic Church
– Bridges: Japanese Covered Bridge (Pagoda Bridge), Moonlight Bridge, An Hoi Bridge (Bridge of Lights), Cam Nam Bridge, Cam Kim Metal Bridge
– Museums: Museum of Sa Huynh Culture, Museum of Sa Folklore, Museum of Trade Ceramics, Museum of Traditional Medicine, Hoi An Museum of History & Culture, Japanese Culture Gallery, Black Sesame Soup Demonstration
– Chinese assembly halls: Cantonese Assembly Hall, Fujian Assembly Hall, Trung Hoa Assembly Hall, Hainan Assembly Hall, Teochew Assembly Hall
– Heritage houses: Tan Ky Old House, Phung Hung Old House, Duc An Old House, Quan Thang Ancient House, Diep Dong Nguyen House, Thai Phien Ancient House
– Temples & pagodas: Quan Cong Temple (Ong Pagoda), Ba Mu Temple, Phap Bao Pagoda, Quan Am Pagoda, Hoi An Confucius Temple, Cao Dai Temple of Hoi An, Hoi An Ancestral Temple, Cam Pho Confucius Temple, Minh Huong Confucius Temple, Vien Giac Pagoda, Hy Hoa Temple
– Family chapels: Tran Family Chapel, Nguyen Tuong Family Chapel
– Communal houses: Cam Pho Communal House, Hoi An Communal House, Minh Huong Communal House, Tu Le Communal House, Xuan Lam Communal House, Son Phong Communal House
– Markets: Hoi An Central Market, Hoi An Cloth/Fabric Market, Hoi An Night Market (Nguyen Hoang Night Market), Cam Pho Market
– Theatres: Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House, Hoi An Lune Center for Performing Arts (now where Teh Dar Show takes place), Hoi An Memories Land Theme Park (now where Hoi An Memories Show takes place)
– Famous streets: Tran Phu Street, Phan Chu Trinh Street, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Bach Dang Street/Wharf, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Street, Phan Boi Chau Street (Hoi An French Quarter), Hoi An Lantern Streets
– Other points of interest: Red Seal Ship Model, Hoi An Evanlegical Church, Thong Dang Prison & Park, Kazik Park (Memory Statue of Kazimierz Kwiatkowski), Hoai River (Hoi An River), Song Hoai Square, An Hoi Sculpture Park, Hoi An Catholic Church, Hoi An Prison, Hoi An Central Park, Ba Le Well, Hoi An Book Street, Hoi An Lantern Park, An Hoi Island, Cam Nam Island, Thu Bon River, Da Ken Tree
Photos, Videos about Hoi An Catholic Church
Here are beautiful photos and videos about Hoi An Catholic Church:
