At Domaine De Marie Church, visitors can admire the architectural scenery imbued with European charm right in the heart of Dalat. Join DanangPrivateCar.com’s to explore the most remarkable points of this historical landmark.
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Overview of Domaine De Marie Church
Domaine De Marie Church is one of the three most famous churches in the land of thousands of flowers. Besides its familiar name to tourists, this place is also known by another name, Mai Anh Church (formerly known for its many apricot blossom trees), or Vinh Son Church (the chapel of the Vinh Son Sisters of Mercy).
- Address: 1 Ngô Quyền Street, Ward 6, Dalat.
- Opening hours: All day.
- Admission: Free.
Domaine De Marie Church is designed in the characteristic style of French architecture, and construction began in 1940. Located in the heart of Dalat city, the church area is also known as Our Lady’s Domain, attracting both tourists and worshippers.
You can choose to visit the church on any day and at any time during the week. However, according to the experience of many travelers before you, it’s best to visit from 7-11 am or from 2-5 pm to avoid disrupting the church’s activities.
The regular church service at Domaine De Marie Church on weekdays is at 5 pm, while on weekends there are services at 5:45 am and 4:30 pm, with special times on certain days. Visitors should note that they should limit visits during church services to avoid disorder, and furthermore, during these times, we cannot comfortably explore.
Directions to Domaine De Marie Church
Domaine De Marie Church is located right in the city center and is only about a 10-minute drive from Dalat Market, making it very easy to get to. However, if you are new to Dalat or not familiar with the local streets, it’s advisable to consult a map beforehand. Specifically, you can travel via Tran Quoc Toan Street, Tran Phu Street, or Tran Quoc Toan Street + Mai Hac De Street.
From Lam Vien Square to Domaine De Marie Church, the distance is approximately 3-3.7km depending on the route. Here are some directions you may consider:
- Tran Quoc Toan Street => Nguyen Van Cu Street => Hai Thuong Street then proceed to the church (This is the shortest route).
- Tran Quoc Toan Street => Le Dai Hanh Street => Hoa Binh Area => Hai Ba Trung Street => Hai Thuong Street.
- Tran Quoc Toan Street => go straight at the roundabout towards Ho Tung Mau Lake => Tran Phu Street => Hai Thuong Street then to the church (This is the longest route).
Additionally, you can choose the private car service in Dalat from DanangPrivateCar.com’s for the safest and most comfortable journey to Domaine De Marie Church in Dalat. Their professional drivers, with years of experience and local expertise, will pick you up from anywhere in Dalat. Book your trip today to explore the city of a thousand flowers, Dalat.
Exploring Domaine De Marie Church in Dalat
Long-standing History
The church was constructed from 1940 to 1944, initiated by the then Governor-General of French Indochina, Jean Decoux’s wife, who mobilized parishioners for contributions. Previously, Domaine De Marie Church served as the main convent of the Vinh Son Sisters of Mercy from 1940 to 1943. After 1975, alongside the main church and two convent wings, additional facilities were built here to serve public purposes.
The church nurtured many orphaned children and provided education in weaving, embroidery, and painting. Behind the church lies the grave of Madame Jean Decoux, commemorating her contribution to the church’s construction and fulfilling her wish. Madame Decoux passed away in a car accident on Prenn Pass in 1944 during a trip from Saigon to Dalat.
Distinctive Architecture of Domaine De Marie Church, Dalat
The first impression of Domaine De Marie Church is its distinctive European architectural style, situated on a spacious area of 12 hectares. A surprising detail is that the church doesn’t use cement but instead employs various natural binding agents such as lime, molasses, and stone walls chiseled up to the window sills.
Compared to classical Western churches, Domaine De Marie incorporates more modern elements. For example, while still maintaining a cruciform plan, it offers more freedom in proportions, measuring 11m wide and 33m long, with two stairways leading to the main entrance and exit at the main hall.
Stepping into the church grounds, visitors can admire a variety of flowers, especially hydrangeas. The forecourt is triangular, with a pointed roof adorned with a cross and small vaulted doors in front. In the center, near the roof peak, is a round rose window – a detail commonly found in French churches in the late 17th century.
The roof of Domaine De Marie Church resembles the longhouse roofs of the Central Highlands’ ethnic groups, with a considerable slope and red tiles produced in Vietnam. The projecting roof windows serve not only as places for stained glass from France but also illuminate the space better, adding to the church’s brilliance.
The walls are built in the Normandy architectural style with stone walls chiseled up to the window sills. The church maintains its characteristic deep pink color since its completion. Initially lacking a bell tower, Domaine De Marie Church now has one built directly behind the sanctuary.
Unlike the Chicken Church, the front of Domaine De Marie Church is designed in a triangular shape with a cross symbol atop. In front of the church, a round window resembling a rose decorates the facade, while triangular windows on either side of the church’s peak allow more light into the interior space.
Inside the church stands a statue of Mother Mary on a globe, designed by French architect Jonchère in the image of Vietnamese women in 1943. The statue, weighing 3 tons and standing 1 ton, was donated by Madame Decoux, the Governor-General of French Indochina.
The Church is a Home to Many Orphaned Children
Initially, Domaine De Marie Church was the main convent for over 50 nuns. They engaged in various social activities such as running nurseries, orphanages, etc. Although the main order has relocated to Ho Chi Minh City, the church continues to uphold its mission of helping the poor. For example, by operating care centers for orphans, the developmentally delayed, providing medical care for the poor, and operating free vocational training centers.
In addition to the main church and two convent wings, other facilities are now used for public activities. Visitors, besides choosing local Dalat specialties as souvenirs, can also purchase souvenirs made by orphaned children or help poor children at the souvenir counter behind the church.
Popular Check-in Spot
If you have ever set foot in Domaine De Marie Church, you will surely feel extremely satisfied with the many experiences here. Firstly, you will have many iconic Dalat check-in photos to cherish. At the same time, you will also be able to capture impressions of the architecture, atmosphere, and the surrounding green space.
As it’s the habitat for many beautiful flower species, Domaine De Marie Church attracts numerous tourists who come here to take photos with various types of flowers. However, if you visit this tourist destination in Dalat, you must adhere strictly to the regulations. Running, jumping, playing around, picking flowers, stepping on prohibited areas, and littering are strictly prohibited. Only by following these rules can we maintain the green, clean, and beautiful surroundings of the church grounds.
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