Ten renowned HCM City architectural projects Ho Chi Minh City’s Independence Palace, Nha Tho Duc Ba (the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Basilica) and Nha Rong Wharf are renowned for both their historic significance and iconic architecture. Independence Palace Independence Palace (once named Norodom Palace), designed by Hermite, was completed in 1871 after three years of construction and covers 12 hectares of land. The palace has an 80m facade, an 800-person capacity hall, and spacious gardens, arboretums, and lawns.. Most of the materials used during construction were imported from France. After the 1962 coup d’état, the palace was rebuilt on its old foundation following the designs of Ngo Viet Thu. Independence Palace remains one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Opera House The HCM City Opera House lies on Dong Khoi Street in District 1. Its multipurpose theatre hosts all kinds of major events and art and cultural performances. Completed on January 1, 1900, the Opera House is one of HCM City’s best examples of Western European architectural style. Nha Tho Duc Ba (the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Basilica) This unique Catholic Church serves the Ho Chi Minh City Archdiocese. It started construction in August 1876 following J.Bourard’s designs and was completed on October 7, 1877. Vietnam Quoc Tu Pagoda Designer Ngho Viet Thu supervised the beginning of Vietnam Quoc Tu Pagoda’s construction on April 26 1964. The seven-storey tower, an example of Vietnamese architectural principles, is particularly popular with domestic and international Buddhist visitors. Central post office The post office, on District 1’s Paris Commune Road, was constructed according to Villedieu’s designs from 1886 to 1891. The project combines European and Asian styles and complements the nearby the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Basilica and Diamon Plaza. Ben Thanh Market Ben Thanh Market is widely considered a symbol of HCM City. The most recent iteration of the market, at its current location, was completed in March 1914. Its four doors and gate towers face outwards toward the city’s cardinal points–Le Loi (north), Phan Boi Chau (south), Phan Chu Trinh (east), and the main gate on Quach Thi Tang Square. Saigon River Tunnel Saigon River Tunnel (or Thu Thiem Tunnel) is one of Southeast Asia’s most modern. After 7 years of construction, the tunnel officially opened to traffic on November 21, 2011. It traverses the Saigon River and reduces traffic burdens on Saigon Bridge, fueling metropolitan development. Municipal People’s Committee headquarters The headquarters occupies a building on District 1’s Nguyen Hue Boulevard built from 1898 to 1909. Gardes’ designs incorporate northern French bell buildings. It was once known as Xa Tay Palace and the Saigon Administration Building. Its architecture is considered one of the city’s most beautiful. Nha Rong Wharf Nha Rong Wharf, built on March 4 1863 and including accommodation for its manager, was the point of the June 5, 1911 departure for young Nguyen Tat Thanh. After years of international travel, Thanh would become known to the world as President Ho Chi Minh. Nha Rong Wharf is now a branch of the Ho Chi Minh Museum. Vietnam History Museum HCM City’s Vietnam History Museum preserves and displays thousands of valuable domestic and foreign artifacts. It was built on November 28 1972 following Dalaval’s design and was managed by the Revolutionary Government after April 30, 1975. Its name was changed to HCM City History Museum on August 26 1979 before assuming its current mantle. VOV