St. Nicholas Cathedral: A Majestic Landmark from the French Colonial Era
The St. Nicholas Cathedral of Da Lat (Nhà Thờ Chính Tòa Đà Lạt), affectionately known to locals as the “Chicken Church” (Nhà Thờ Con Gà), is the largest Catholic building in the city and a prominent architectural symbol of Da Lat’s colonial past. Located centrally on Trần Phú Street, its towering presence and distinct Romanesque design actively draw visitors seeking historical and architectural beauty. Therefore, tourists frequently visit this site to admire its classic European charm.
History and Unique Architecture
The construction of the cathedral began in 1931 and reached completion in 1942, built by the French to serve the growing French community and vacationers escaping the heat of the lowlands.
Architectural Style: Architect Monseigneur Colomba designed the structure in a Romanesque style, which features arched windows, large size, and a prominent bell tower. The structure measures an impressive 65 meters long, 14 meters wide, with the bell tower soaring to a height of 47 meters. This height offers panoramic views of the city center and Lang Biang Mountain when standing at the top.
The Rooster Nickname: The church earns its popular nickname, the “Chicken Church,” from the black alloy rooster statue perched atop the bell tower. This symbolic rooster represents vigilance and repentance in the Catholic faith, spinning with the wind to serve as a weather vane.
Interior Details: The interior features high vaulted ceilings and beautiful stained-glass windows, many of which the builders imported directly from France. These colorful windows allow the sunlight to beautifully illuminate the sacred space.
Culture, Mass Schedule, and Visitor Etiquette
The Cathedral remains an active place of worship for the Da Lat Diocese, providing a key spiritual and cultural role in the community.
Mass Schedule: Visitors are welcome to observe the interior, but must respect the sacred schedule. Daily mass times are generally held in the early morning and late afternoon/evening.
Monday to Saturday: Approximately 5:15 AM and 5:15 PM.
Sunday: Multiple services are available, typically including 5:30 AM, 7:15 AM, 8:30 AM, 4:15 PM, and 6:00 PM (Please confirm the most current times upon arrival).
Visitor Conduct: The church requires decent attire from all visitors to show respect for the holy place, meaning you should wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders. When attending mass, maintain silence and avoid walking around the sanctuary.
Practical Visitor Information
Address: 15 Đ. Trần Phú, Phường 3, Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 670000, Vietnam.
Entrance Fee: Visiting the Cathedral grounds and the interior outside of mass times is free of charge.
Contact Information: The church does not publish a public telephone number for general tourist inquiries. However, staff members are usually present during the day for basic assistance.
Accessibility: Since the Cathedral is located in the central area, you can easily access it from Da Lat Market and Xuan Huong Lake by walking or a short taxi/motorbike ride.
