Discovering Mang Lang church

Mang Lang Church is one of the oldest churches in Vietnam imbued with an architectural style of the 19th century.

Mang Lang Church is located near the Ky Lo River, in An Thach Commune, Tuy An District, Phu Yen Province. When coming to the famous area of Nhan Mountain and the Da River, visitors do not want to miss a chance to visit the serene ancient church of Mang Lang, a popular destination.

The church was built in 1892 by Joseph de La Cassagne, a French priest, who was called Co Xuan by the locals.

The unique name of this church comes from the name of a rare variety of tree, called Mang Lang, which has a large canopy, oval leaves, and purple flowers. More than one hundred years ago, An Thach was a deserted area with forests of Mang Lang trees. Nowadays, these forests no longer exist but in the church there is still a round table made from Mang Lang wood with a diameter of 1.5m.

The church with an airy precinct, covering 5,000m2, is shaded by lush trees and rows of Sa-ke (breadfruit) trees, scientifically known as Artocarpus altilis. Originally, the church was painted white but it now becomes dark-grey and looks like a painting near the Ky Lo River.

The facade of the church was designed in the Gothic architectural style with two steeples, one on each side of the ancient mossy cross. Inside the church, tourists can see two dangling ropes that are used to ring the church bells on special occasions.

The two sides of the church’s lobby were designed in an eye-catching pyramid style. The chancel, with colorful windows, yellow-brown walls and a wooden ceiling on which ancient lights are hung, leaves a strong impression on Vietnam tourism.

The pathway shaded by two rows of betel trees leads tourists to Mang Lang Church with its gate always open to welcome those who want to mingle in a peaceful and quiet space, separated from the bustling outside world.

Here, tourists also behold small statues, ancient grey walls and a praying table that create a mystery and holiness for the Mang Lang Church.

VietNamNet/VNP