Kontum Cathedral, Wooden Catholic cathedral in Kon Tum, Vietnam
Kontum Cathedral is a wooden structure with a tall bell tower and large stained glass windows that depict religious scenes. The building rests on dark-colored wood pillars and features walls made from soil mixed with straw.
French missionaries built the first church here in 1870. The current wooden structure was completed between 1913 and 1918 under the leadership of Priest Giuse Decrouille.
The cathedral reflects how Roman Catholic traditions were adapted to match local building customs of the region's indigenous communities. Walking through it, you notice how European and local design elements coexist naturally in the same space.
The complex offers direct access to the main building and several adjacent structures serving community functions. Plan enough time to explore the entire grounds, including the attached workshops and facilities.
The building was constructed entirely from wood, a rare choice for a cathedral of this scale in the region. This approach preserved local woodworking methods while meeting religious needs.
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