Situated in northern Vietnam is the Bui Chu Cathedral that was constructed 135 years ago. The architectural marvel is now undergoing demolition, despite a wave of protests from architects and cultural heritage specialists. The historic church, which is largely described as the birthplace of Catholicism in Vietnam, is going to be replaced with a modern replica that is scheduled for completion by early August, as per Artnet.

The Catholic diocese of Bui Chu made demolition plans as early as last year. The organization claimed that the dilapidated condition of the building posed a risk to parishioners and that it would be more costly to make repairs than construct a new establishment that can also hold more people. Since then, parishioners have raised funds for the reconstruction.

Martin Rama, a Uruguayan economist at the World Bank who lives in Hanoi, made plans this year to protect the century-old cathedral. He met with leaders of the diocese and proposed that the reconstruction take place on a land next to the Bui Chu Cathedral’s property. By doing so, the church would be able to expand and create more room for both buildings. In regards to the demolition, Rama expressed to the New York Times: “This would amount to an irremediable loss of heritage for Vietnam, for the world, and for the Catholic Church itself. Indeed, the ancient Bui Chu Cathedral embodies an amazing intersection of culture, history, and architecture.”

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