It is a hybrid of both Western and Oriental architectural styles.

From the entrance, the interior expands in four directions making it cool and airy.

There are two layers of stylized roofs thirty meters above the floor.

An altar made of precious wood and inlaid with marble is set in a central circular section.

The square structure and its round roof symbolize the earth and the sky respectively.

The corners of the roofs are fixed with flying dragons.

Pictures on colored glass make St. Dominic’s look mystical.

In particular, the three-lane entrance gives it a distinctive Vietnamese style.

Da Minh Church is dedicated to the worship of Dominic of Osma, (1170 – August 6, 1221) the founder of the Order of Preachers or the Dominican Order which was established in 1217.

During his life, Dominic practiced rigorous self denial.

He wore an uncomfortable hair-shirt, and never allowed himself the luxury of sleeping in a bed.

He didn’t eat meat, and often fasted and observed periods of silence.

Outside the church on the left is a statue of Saint Dominic that is more than four meters high.

The windows and doors of the church have numerous pictures of the creation of the world as described in the Old Testament, the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ and other saints in the Dominican Order.

The key elements of St. Dominic’s architecture are the use of blue enamel in conjunction with ceramic and cement fixed with gems.

The three bells are important historically as they have been preserved during many restorations and reconstruction early in the 21th century.

The church’s service center is famous for its wide range of public activities from art exhibitions to classical concerts and plays.

Reported by Diem Thu