The ironwood pillars
52 of them along the nave.
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A cathedral unlike any other in Vietnam: a church built almost entirely in the style of a Vietnamese temple, with curved tiled roofs, carved ironwood columns and stone gates, completed in 1891 by the priest Tran Luc, known to the French as Père Six. Graham Greene, who set part of The Quiet American here, called it more Buddhist than Christian. The complex lies about 30 km south-east of Ninh Binh. A pond and a stone bell tower stand before the main church, whose nave runs 64 metres to the altar on 52 ironwood pillars, sixteen of them 11 metres tall. Around it are smaller chapels, one built entirely of stone, and Father Six's tomb in the forecourt. The cathedral was badly damaged by bombing in 1972 and has since been restored. It is still the seat of a diocese and a working church, so visits pause during services, and modest dress is expected. Entry is free.
52 of them along the nave.
Before the church and pond.
Built entirely of stone.
Phat Diem town, about 30 km south-east of Ninh Binh city
Yes. It is about 30 km away and an hour to ninety minutes is enough; entry is free, but visits pause during services.