Mang Lang Church

About

The Mang Lang Church was built in 1892 by French missionary Joseph Lacassagne. Despite the tumult that rocked the region during the 20th century, the neo-Gothic Cathedral is in pristine condition, and stands as one of the oldest churches in the country. The building’s grey facade contrasts beautifully with the lush green gardens surrounding it, as well as the colorful stained glass windows, wood-panelled ceilings, and historic lanterns that line the interior. Most notably, the church houses Alexandre de Rhodes’s 17th century 'Cathechismus in octo dies' - the first book to be printed in the modern Vietnamese script. In fact, in the church grounds, you’ll find an artificial hill with a statue of the influential missionary and lexicographer.