St Joseph's Cathedral in downtown Hà Nội is one of the earliest Catholic buildings in the capital city, a miniature of the Paris Notre Dame Cathedral. The cathedral is now being renovated.

These days, passers-by may be a little surprised at the appearance of the building. But it’s just temporary. The scaffolding will soon be removed in a few months when the cathedral gets a new lick of paint.

The cathedral is now covered with scaffolding for the renovation. VNS Photos Trương Vị

The Catholic Cathedral of Hà Nội was built in the late 19th century, in European Gothic style. The exterior walls of the church are made of granite stone slabs, with the two bell towers standing 31.5m in height.

The renovation will keep all ancient details of the architecture. St Joseph's Cathedral in downtown Hà Nội is one of the earliest Catholic buildings in the city. VNS Photo Trương Vị

In the middle of the front entrance, a cross stands high, while a big round clock was installed underneath.

In general, the architecture is not too complicated with the combination of European Gothic style and local architecture.

The bell towers contain five bells with one big bell and four smaller ones, which connect with the clock to ring on the hour.

A metal statue of Mother Maria stands in front of the cathedral.

The clock has been working for over 100 years. VNS Photo Trương Vị

The cathedral was built on the foundations of an old pagoda between 1884 and 1886.

The cathedral was inaugurated at Christmas of 1887.

Workers at the site. VNS Photo Trương Vị

The cathedral has remained a centre of Catholic activities in the capital and its vicinity.

The inner walls of the cathedral have just been newly painted in grey. VNS

The cathedral has been a magnet to both locals and tourists in the capital. VNS Photo Trương Vị