Albeit
being such a small city, Hanoi’s architecture is a mixture of both
domestic and foreign influence. Hanoi contains in it the ancient style of
feudal past, modern 21st century to Soviet-inspired monotone blocks, and that
ofeternally-valuable French design.
In
the process that shapes up Hanoi as of today, a number of the city’s buildings
clearly show the distinctive imprint of French architecture. The influence is
obvious in the organization of space, technical and construction materials and
patterns of expression. The unique French architecture that adjusts for the
local oriental style of living has become a characteristic of thousand-year-old
Hanoi.
Of
the finest French buildings in town, these five works are among the most
popular that can not be missed whenvisiting Hanoi.
Hanoi Opera House
Hanoi
Grand Opera House, a smaller version of the Opéra Garnier in Paris, was built
on 07/06/1901 and completed in 1911. The Opera House was constructed in
theater-style which draws its influence from the classical works in Renaissance
Europe.
The
building occupies an area of 2600 square meter, at its peak reaching 34 meters
above the adjacent road and the main auditorium measures 24 by 24 meter. Hanoi
Opera House is a unique work with an outstanding value of history, culture,
architecture and art.
Nowadays,
this is one of the most important hearts of Hanoi where regular cultural
activities, art performances, concerts, etc. are often held.
Hotel Sofitel Metropole Legend Hanoi
Situated
in the heart of Hanoi, sandwiched between Hoan Kiem Lake and the
magnificent Opera House, the hotel was funded in 1901 by two French investors.
Sofitel Metropole Hanoi bears that feeling of the colonial period with its
white-painted walls, green windows, delicate iron patterns, wooden plank walls
and a green lawn.
This
is the very first five-star hotel in Hanoi where many ambassadors and
celebrities have chosen to stay. Besides, Sofitel Metropole is the
only hotel in the entire Indochina region with a unique collection of Citroen
classic cars.
The President Palace
The
President Palace, built in 1901 and completed in 1906, at first played a role
as the palace for the Indochina’s General Governor Palace.
Like
many French colonial architecture of this time, it is wholeheartedly European
in design, with the only hint of a Vietnamese presence is the mango garden that
surrounds the building. The palace’s ground is designed symmetrically, with a
big block in the middle and two blocks on either sides. The building is covered
in yellow paint and the huge green iron gate still guards its entrance.
At
present, it is the office of the President of the Socialist Republic of
Vietnam.
Dong Xuan Market
Constructed
by a French company called Poinsard Veyret in 1980, Dong Xuan
Market is one of the biggest markets in Hanoi as
well as the largest market in the Old Quarter area.
The
design of the market is relatively simple: its 6500 square meter area contains
five blocks with domes of 52 meter length each and steel frame of 19 meter
high. The front entrance owes its stunning look to French architecture,
including five sculpted triangular arches arranged like a honeycomb and metal
roofing.
After
the liberation of the capital, Dong Xuan Market remains its full usefulness and
civil architecture to Hanoians and now is one of the most important clue markets of Hanoi.
Saint Joseph Cathedral
The
church was built in 1886 following the Gothic architectural style of medieval
Europe which was popular in the 12th century and the Renaissance.
Saint
Joseph Cathedral much resembled the Notre Dame Cathedral Paris with curved
domes toward the sky. The church has a length of 64.5 meter, width of 20.5
meter and two 31.5 meter high tower with massive stone pillars at the four
corners. On the top of the church lies the huge stone cross. The church also
owns a collection of western-made bells including four small and one very large
bell which itself costs 20,000 francs to build at that time. It also has a
giant clock which the alarm system linked to the five bells hanging on the two
towers.
To
this day, Saint Joseph Cathedral still holds several masses throughout the day
and is usually crowded on weekends and religious holidays.
French
architecture in Hanoi has become a heritage which both represents historic
significance and combines harmonically with the traditional architectural
elements of the urban landscape. It has played an important role in conceiving
the beautiful image of Hanoi and creating an unforgettable impression on those
who visit the thousand-year-old Ascending Dragon.
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