When you hear about Tan Dinh Church, you'll immediately think of a unique architectural structure with a modern beauty. It's a place that attracts many young visitors who come to admire its beauty and capture stunning moments. So, what makes Tan Dinh Church so special? Let's discover it with Visithcmc.

1. Introduction to Tan Dinh Church

Tan Dinh Church, officially named the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, is one of the largest, most famous, and beautiful architectural landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. The church was built around the mid-19th century with a unique pink hue, incorporating European architectural styles. It is one of the city's iconic attractions, drawing thousands of domestic and international tourists every year.

1.1 Location of Tan Dinh Church

Tan Dinh Church is a Catholic church belonging to Tan Dinh parish located at 289 Hai Ba Trung, Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, about 1.7km from the Independence Palace. This location is very convenient to move to other tourist destinations in the city.

1.2 Opening Hours

Tan Dinh Church welcomes visitors every day of the week, so you can visit and take photos free of charge at any time of the year. However, keep in mind that visitors are not allowed inside the church during mass hours. Here are the mass schedules:

- Weekday Masses: 5:00 AM, 6:15 AM, 5:30 PM, 7:00 PM
- Sunday Masses: 5:00 AM, 6:15 AM, 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 4:00 PM, 5:30 PM, 7:00 PM 

There are also special mass schedules on holidays, so it's advisable to check the information before planning your visit.

1.3 Best Time to Visit Tan Dinh Church 

Ho Chi Minh City has a hot and humid climate year-round, so the best time to visit Tan Dinh Church is from December to April when the weather is drier and cooler. During this time, you'll have an easier time exploring and capturing exquisite photos. Particularly on major holidays or Christmas, consider arriving early to avoid crowds and traffic, ensuring you capture the most beautiful moments.

2. History and Architecture of Tan Dinh Church

2.1 History of Tan Dinh Church

Tan Dinh Church and Notre Dame Cathedral are two churches built quite early and have the largest scale in Ho Chi Minh City. The history of Tan Dinh church began in 1874. Father Donatien Éveillard (1835 - 1883) had to work very hard during the two years of 1875 and 1876 to mobilize finances and command construction. In December 1876 the church was officially inaugurated.

Father Éveillard invited sisters from the Order of Saint Paul of Chartres to come here to establish an orphanage and a boarding school next to the church, naming it Thanh Nhi Tan Dinh or School of Saints Tan Dinh. The school was opened in 1877 and by the 1880s the school had about 300 students enrolled. On September 15, 1883, Father Éveillard died and was buried on September 17, 1883 in front of the altar of Our Lady in Tan Dinh Church built by himself. A white marble slab was made to cover his tomb.
In 1928-1929, the church was restored and upgraded under the authorization of Father Jean-Baptiste Nguyen Ba Tong (1868-1949), who was later famous as the first Vietnamese bishop of the East. Duong, in charge of Phat Diem diocese.
In 1949, the structural pillars in the nave of the church were reinforced. In 1957, the church was renovated and repainted in the pink color known today (salmon pink on the outside and strawberry and cream color on the inside). Since then, the church has undergone a number of major renovations.

2.2 Unique architecture

Tan Dinh Church is a large structure with a Roman architectural style combined with classic Gothic elements. The entire church is painted in a pink color, making it a one-of-a-kind building that captivates the attention of passersby. This unique church has earned the nickname "Pink Church" and is a popular destination for young visitors looking to explore and take photos.

3. Explore Tan Dinh Church in Ho Chi Minh City

Nhà thờ Tân Định nằm ở trục chính của con đường Hai Bà Trưng, với gam màu hồng độc đáo, nhà thờ được chia thành 3 gian chính bao gồm: 

Tan Dinh Church is situated along Hai Ba Trung Street and is known for its stunning pink exterior. The church is divided into three main sections:

3.1 Main tower of Tan Dinh Church

The main tower of Tan Dinh Church is one of the most prominent highlights of the church. The tower is 52.6m high, the top is attached to a 3m high bronze cross, a typical symbol of Catholicism. Inside the main tower there are five bells with a total weight of 5.5 tons. The decorative details on the top of the tower are very sophisticated and colorful. Standing at the foot of the church and looking up, you will see an extremely majestic and unique structure.

3.2 Secondary tower

In addition to the main tower, Tan Dinh Church features two equally impressive auxiliary towers. Each of these towers boasts distinct and unique architectural elements. Adorned with numerous lanterns and stained-glass windows, their tiled roofs are designed with fish-scale patterns and double helical lines, creating a visually stunning and captivating architectural space.

3.3 Inside the church

Inside Tan Dinh Church is a solemn and sacred place. The unique Gothic architecture featuring two rows of sturdy columns and majestic interiors gives the Saint a majestic appearance. The left row of columns are statues of female saints and the right row of columns of the cathedral are statues of male saints. Entering the Cathedral, visitors will admire delicate and beautiful works of art as if they are lost in a classic and poetic space.

4. Activities at Tan Dinh Church 

In addition to exploring the unique architecture of Tan Dinh Church, visitors can participate in various activities here, such as attending Mass, praying, or learning about the history and culture of Vietnamese Catholicism.

5. Transportation to Tan Dinh Church 

Visitors can reach Tan Dinh Church using various modes of transportation, including taxis, private cars, motorbikes, or buses. 
- If traveling by motorbike or private car, you can park at nearby parking lots and walk a few minutes to the church. Some parking options include:
+ Le Van Tam Park Parking Lot - Dien Bien Phu: Dien Bien Phu - Da Kao Ward - District 1 - Ho Chi Minh City. Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 10:00 PM 
+ Le Van Tam Park Parking Lot - Hai Ba Trung: Hai Ba Trung - Ward 6 - District 3 - Ho Chi Minh City. Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 10:00 PM 
+ Le Van Tam Park Parking Lot - Vo Thi Sau: Vo Thi Sau - District 1 - Ho Chi Minh City. Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 10:00 PM

- Alternatively, visitors can use ride-sharing motorbike services, taxis, or buses to reach the church. The nearest bus route to Tan Dinh Church is Bus No. 63, which will take you directly to the church's entrance, making it convenient and easy to access.

6. Note when visiting Tan Dinh Church

When visiting Tan Dinh Church, you need to note a few things:

- It is not recommended to wear too sexy or offensive clothes that are not suitable for a dignified and sacred place to the Church.
- During the tour, you should pay attention to hygiene and not littering.
- If you only take photos and visit, please pay attention to the church's service hours to always keep quiet, do not disturb the solemn atmosphere during the ceremony.
- If you bring your children here to visit, please be careful not to let them run around and play around during the ceremony.
- You should not smoke inside the church premises to avoid affecting those around you.

Tan Dinh Church is a famous and attractive tourist destination in Ho Chi Minh City. The unique architecture and rich history of the church have attracted thousands of domestic and foreign tourists to visit and explore. If you love architecture and history, this is a destination not to be missed when coming to Ho Chi Minh City.