Monuments

Erected in the heart of vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, the Saigon Central Post Office is an architectural gem resulting from the marriage between European elegance and Asian soul. Born under the aegis of French colonization at the end of the 19th century, this monument, still in use today, is steeped in a rich and complex history. 

Its creator, Gustave Eiffel, gave it a majestic silhouette, with a steel structure and a facade with carefully sculpted details that illustrate the finesse of the Gothic style. The main entrance is surmounted by a large clock which seems to benevolently watch over the incessant comings and goings of the city. 

Inside, a high vaulted ceiling and vintage-style windows create a timeless atmosphere. The walls are adorned with old maps of Vietnam and Saigon, offering a visual journey into the city's past. 

The Saigon Central Post Office is more than just a postal building; she is a silent witness to the tumultuous changes Vietnam has undergone from colonial times to the present day. Every stone, every architectural detail seems to tell a story, giving visitors valuable insight into Saigon's past. Even today, despite the rapid development of the city around it, the Central Post Office remains a haven of tranquility and a precious link with the past.

The History of the Central Post Office of Saigon: A witness of the colonial era in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City 

Saigon Central Post Office is an architectural masterpiece, a historical monument that serves as an eloquent testimony to the history of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly called Saigon. This remarkable structure stands in the heart of the city, a shining star in Vietnam's modern cityscape. 

Designed by French engineer Gustave Eiffel, the mind behind the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Poste Centrale de Saigon was erected between 1886 and 1891 during the French colonial era. Its architectural style is a harmonious blend of European aesthetics and local influences, reflecting the cultural mix that characterizes the history of Vietnam. 

A masterpiece of French colonial architecture 

The Saigon Central Post Office is an eloquent example of neo-Gothic architecture, a popular trend in Europe at the end of the 19th century. The slender metal arches of the structure and the cut stone facade, adorned with carefully carved details, testify to the architectural prowess of Gustave Eiffel. 

The facade of the building is dominated by a large clock, framed by two windows in the form of turrets. This clock seems to monitor the passage of time, like a silent guardian of Saigon's history. Above the clock, the names of the inventors of the telegraph era are inscribed in gold letters, testifying to the important role of the post office as a center of communication. 

The Interior: a journey through time 

The interior of the Saigon Central Post Office is equally impressive. The high vaulted ceiling, vintage windows and hanging lamps give the building a timeless feel, as if time has stood still. The walls are adorned with two old maps, one showing the Saigon area and the other the telegraph network of southern Vietnam, offering a glimpse of the country's past. 

At the end of the main hall, a statue of Vietnamese national hero Ho Chi Minh watches over the premises, a modern addition that marks Saigon's passage from colonization to independence. 

A Monument still in use 

Despite its status as a historical monument, the Central Post Office of Saigon is still in service. Visitors can send letters and postcards, buy stamps or simply enjoy the historic atmosphere of the building. It has become a major tourist attraction, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to admire its architectural beauty and immerse themselves in the history of Vietnam. 

Conclusion 

The Saigon Central Post Office is much more than just a building. It is a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City's history, a place where the past meets the present. Despite the changes that have marked the city over the past century, the Central Post Office remains a tangible link with the colonial era, a living testimony to Saigon's fascinating history. Crossing its threshold, visitors are invited to travel back in time and discover a crucial chapter in the history of Vietnam.

Architectural Features of Saigon Central Post Office 

Saigon Central Post Office, located in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, is a historic landmark with impressive architecture. It combines elements of European and Asian architectural style, which makes it a unique witness of the French colonial era. 

The Facade and the Exterior 

The facade of Saigon Central Post Office is an elegant blend of neo-Gothic and French Renaissance architecture. The building is dominated by a triangular pediment which overhangs the main entrance, and on which we can see the inscription "Saigon Central Post Office" in capital letters. The entrance is framed by two high windows, reminiscent of the turrets of a medieval castle. Above the main entrance, a delicate clock adds a European flair to the whole. 

The exterior of the building is decorated with intricate patterns, and every detail seems to have been designed with great care. The building is constructed from local and European materials, which reflects the cultural mix that marked this period in Vietnam's history. 

Interior 

The interior of Saigon Central Post Office is equally impressive. The vaulted ceiling, supported by steel pillars, creates a sense of grandeur and space. The metal motifs that decorate the pillars and the ceiling are of exceptional finesse, testifying to the talent of the craftsmen of the time. 

The interior space is dominated by a large mail room, where visitors can still send letters and postcards. Old post offices, vintage telephone booths and hanging lamps add a nostalgic touch to the whole. 

Wall Maps 

Two vintage wall maps adorn the interior walls of the building. One represents the telegraph network of southern Vietnam and Cambodia, the other shows a map of Saigon and its surroundings. These maps offer a fascinating insight into the French colonial era. 

In summary 

The Saigon Central Post Office is a valuable architectural work, a monument that harmoniously combines elements of European and Asian architecture. Its intricate design, attention to detail and the fusion of cultures it represents make this building an architectural gem in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.