(Photo: Collectibles)

Overview of Rooster Church

Location: 15 Tran Phu Street, Ward 3, Dalat City, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam

Rooster Church, also known as Dalat Cathedral (in English, the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas of Bari), was constructed from 1931 to 1942 and underwent three phases. This is the largest Catholic structure in the dreamy city and a must-visit landmark when checking in at Dalat.

Rooster Church is situated on Tran Phu Street, a strategically located road in the city center that hosts numerous hotels in Dalat. Therefore, visitors can combine exploring other attractions such as Lam Vien Square and Dalat Market or indulge in tasting the delicious cuisine in the city of a thousand flowers.

The entrance to the Rooster Church is free of charge, so visitors can freely enjoy the beauty of the Rooster Church without any admission fee.

(Photo: Collectibles)

The opening hours of the Rooster Church

The Rooster Church opens its doors as a place of religious worship and a major attraction, drawing hundreds of tourists annually. Therefore, the gates are always wide open for visitors. However, visiting the Rooster Church during the daytime is recommended to fully explore, discover, and comfortably capture some Insta-worthy shots.

Directions to the Rooster Church

Getting to the Rooster Church is a breeze from downtown. Head towards the Da Lat market roundabout and take the second exit to cross the bridge onto Le Dai Hanh Street. Just follow the road for about 100m until you hit another roundabout – swing a right and cruise another 200m until you hit the three-way intersection. Take a left up the slope, and after a short 200m drive, you’ve arrived at the Rooster Church.

(Photo: Collectibles)

The Ancient Tale of the Rooster Church

The Rooster Church is considered a living witness to the history of the formation and development of the misty city of Da Lat.

In 1893, Dr. Alexandre Yersin set foot on and conquered the highlands. A few years later, his proposal to build a resort in the city of Da Lat was approved by the French, and Da Lat was formed… Yersin was accompanied by Father Robert of the Paris Mission, who later returned and recounted the story to the Paris Mission. Not until 1917, another priest, Nicola Couveur, in the Far East, came to Da Lat intending to find a resort for priests. He had a rectory built for the clergy. Finally, on the last Sunday of April 1920, Bishop Quinton established the Diocese of Da Lat.

Eventually, the construction of the Rooster Church began on Sunday, July 19, 1931, when Bishop Colomban Dreyer laid the first brick.

Stained-glass panels create a fanciful space for the inner area (Photo: Collectibles)

Strict symmetrical design of the area (Image: Collectibles)

Unique Architecture of the Rooster Church

One of the reasons attracting many tourists to the Rooster Church is its unique architectural style. The church is designed with solid influences from Roman Catholic churches in Europe. The Rooster Church is symmetrically designed, in the shape of a cross, with a length of 65m and a width of 14m, and its main entrance faces the majestic “roof” of Da Lat – the Langbiang Mountain. Visitors can admire the magnificent beauty of Langbiang Mountain here. Moreover, the church has a bell tower that is 47m tall, so even from a distance, tourists can easily see the church against the sky.

The cathedral of the Rooster Church is divided into three aisles, including one sizeable central aisle and two smaller ones on either side. The central aisle consists of rows of seats and the main altar, while the other two aisles contain additional seating and pathways.

The color of the walls of the church The chicken is very popular with the faithful in pink (Image: Collectibles)

Notably, the Rooster Church is constructed in Romanesque, significantly emphasizing decoration. If it’s your first visit to the Rooster Church, you’ll undoubtedly be awe-struck by the impression of the 70 different stained glass panels. These panels were manufactured by the Louis Balmet workshop in Grenoble, France, incorporating a classic European architectural style. These stained glass pieces make the church stand out with a uniquely aesthetic and mystical appearance and serve the practical purpose of illuminating the entire space.

Nowhere poinsettia has a forest-like red on this plateau (Image: Collectibles)

Mass Schedule at the Rooster Church

For those who follow the faith and wish to attend a mass, it’s essential to be aware of the following schedule. Much like other churches, the mass hours at the Rooster Church are flexibly arranged for both weekdays and Sundays. On weekdays, two masses are scheduled at 5:15 AM and 5:15 PM. Especially on Sundays, there are up to 5 masses at 5:30 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 4:00 PM, and 6:00 PM. Thanks to this well-organized schedule, residents of Da Lat who practice the faith can choose a suitable mass time without missing any worship sessions.

The Rooster Church in Da Lat stands as an enchanting testament to the city’s history and spirituality. Its unique blend of Romanesque architecture, captivating rooster motif, and stunning stained glass windows make it a must-visit destination. Beyond its religious significance, the church’s artistic and architectural allure creates a tranquil atmosphere that invites worshipers and travelers. Whether attending a mass, exploring its symbolic details, or simply admiring its beauty, the Rooster Church promises a captivating experience, leaving visitors with lasting impressions of cultural richness and serene beauty in the heart of Da Lat.