Domaine de Marie Church - Dalat

No one can deny the reputation of Dalat as one of the most attractive cities in Vietnam, which can be accounted for by the fact that its architecture was the perfect combination of French and Vietnamese style. The Domaine De Marie (Dominion of Marie) Church is one example of that interaction between the two cultures. Today, it is not only a place for the local people to worship but also a destination for visitors to Dalat from just anywhere.

The Domaine de Marie Church is home to the Roman Catholic nuns of the Mission of Charity. Located not far from the city center, the church in Dalat is a 29.6-acre architectural complex consisting of the main church and two convents. The church was built from 1930 to 1943 following the 17th centuryFrench style. However, because its architecture is the harmonious combination of Western art and Vietnamese folk art, the church definitely stands out from other ones created at the same era.

The facade of the building is designed as an isosceles triangle with many small arch-shaped windows, and a cross on the top. Right at the center of the facade is a grand rose-shaped window, a detail which usually appeared in the architecture of French church at the end of the 17th century. The walls are decorated with the Normandy style which allows creative manipulation of lights: dark-bright, solid-hollow, etc. however, the Vietnamese part does not subside.

The Vietnamese arrangement of this church makes it special and different from the classical churches of Europe. The roofs of the church have their origin from the design of Nha Rong (Dragon House), a typical type of stilt house in Central Highland of Vietnam. Even though the huge and steep roofs look pretty bland, the elegant stained glass windows make them a work of arts and illuminate the interior of the Domaine de Marie Church. The statue of Marie is another example of the interaction. It is created by a French architect named Jonchere in 1943, but resembles the image of a Vietnamese woman. In general, though the combination of the two competing styles might seem unusual, it creates an absolutely creative and intrigue complex.

If you need a change of mood for you in a Dalat trip, which is always assumedto be romantic and peaceful, makes sure to pay a visit to Domaine de Marie to worship and experience the intersection of French and Vietnamese art for yourself.

Joseph Nguyễn

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