Just 8km from Hue city center, An Vân Church is a sacred historical landmark that has preserved its traditional beauty for over a century. With unique architecture blending religious symbolism and cultural heritage, this church offers visitors a peaceful yet profound spiritual experience.
Overview of An Van Church
An Vân Church, founded between 1864–1867 in An Vân Village (Huong An ward, Huong Tra town), began as a simple bamboo structure. In 1907, under priest Bui Quang Luoc, it was rebuilt with a wooden frame, brick walls, and a tiled roof—forming the basis of today’s structure.
Despite later expansions (1944–1946, 1982, 1996), An Vân Church retains its traditional architecture. Its 14m-wide, 26m-long main hall features a façade inspired by a three-story, triple-gate design. Decorative elements include ceramic inlays, Chinese couplets, and bilingual inscriptions in Chinese and Latin.
A notable highlight is the bell tower with an engraved bell (originally cast in 1876, recast in 2007), bearing prayers, gratitude to God, and a poem in Sino-Vietnamese. The tower also serves as Our Lady of the Rosary tower, adorned with symbols such as a heart, thorns, stars, and devotional couplets.
Inside, six compartments host liturgical space and sacred altars. The “Thanh tu dao” altar is finely lacquered and engraved with names from 1887 and the full text of the poem “Hãy Nhớ”. This serene space reflects both spiritual dedication and Vietnamese religious artistry.
How to get to An Van Church
An Vân Church is located about 8km northwest of Hue city center. The most convenient way to reach it is by motorbike or car. You can also include it in a countryside bike tour or private city day tour with Hue Smile Travel for a deeper local experience.
Address: 118 Ly Than Tong, Huong An, Huong Tra, Hue city
Nearby attractions
- Thien Mu Pagoda – one of Hue’s most iconic religious sites
- Perfume River (Sông Hương) – perfect for a relaxing boat tour
- Thanh Toan Bridge – A charming countryside wooden bridge with cultural displays
- Hue Imperial City – A UNESCO World Heritage site just a short ride away
✨ Discover this historical gem and many others with Hue Smile Travel – your expert companion in exploring Hue’s timeless charm.
