[Photos] The Hidden Gems of Saigon's Notre Dame Cathedral

The Notre Dame Cathedral is among Saigon’s most obvious iconic buildings, but while we may think we know everything about the building, its attic is filled with hidden treasures, from dusty old pipe organs and 30 ton bells to sophisticated clocks.

Built in 1877 from materials imported from France, the cathedral cost 2.5 million francs (present day US$15 million), but its value is not only manifested in its architectural significance.

The building houses six bells (Do, Re, Mi, Sol, La, Si) forged in France in 1879, together weighing in at around 30 tons. They bells are electronically operated with the exception of the three heaviest (Sol, La, Si weighing 8,745, 5,931 and 4,184 kilograms, respectively) which must be pushed manually. When rung together, the bells' sound can travel up to 10 kilometers.

One of two oldest tube organs in Vietnam is located across from the main altar that once filled the cathedral with harmonic music. Made by foreign craftsmen, it is now in ruin due to a lack of proper preservation.

Another precious object hidden within the structure is a 2.5 meter high and 3 meter wide machine that operates the cathedral's large clock. 

VN Express recently released some pictures of these hidden gems. 

The 40 centimeter wide stairway that leads to the cathedral's towers.

The attic - 37 meters off the ground. 

One of the heaviest bells house in the cathedral.

Bells are operated both electrically and manually.

A little staircase leading to the top of the tower.

Vietnam's oldest tube organ.

Dust-covered fretboard.

The cathedral's main clock.

The clock machine.

Setting this small clock adjusts its larger brother outside.