Long Hung Church: "Steel Witness" Along the Course of Quang Tri History

Long Hung Church: "Steel Witness" by the Flow of Quang Tri History

Standing proudly by National Route 1A in Hai Phu commune, Hai Lang district, Long Hung Church appears with its moss-covered walls, riddled with marks of bombs and bullets. This is not just a simple religious architectural structure but has become an inseparable part of the special national heritage site of Quang Tri Citadel.

1. Cross-shaped architecture in the heart of the fire land

• Built in the years 1955 - 1956 on an area of over 1,200 m^2, Long Hung Church was originally a place of worship for the parishioners of Long Hung village.
• Design: Viewed from above, the structure has the characteristic cross shape of Catholic architecture.
• Structure: The church is built of solid reinforced concrete, including a soaring bell tower and a solemn 5-bay nave. Although the war has receded, the stone steps in the main hall still remain – where the altar once stood to celebrate mass, serving as a connection between the past and the present.

Photo: The interior space of the church is divided into 5 bays, with the middle bay having stone steps, above it is the bell tower

2. Life-and-death checkpoint during the 81 days and nights of 1972

• During the fierce battle to protect Quang Tri town in 1972, Long Hung Church inadvertently became a strategic "fortress."
• Throat position: Located on the axis of National Route 1A in the Southwest direction, this is an important checkpoint for the Liberation Army to prevent enemy counterattacks into the town.
• Traces of bombs and bullets: The crumbling walls, the collapsed bell tower, and thousands of scars from artillery on the concrete are the most authentic evidence of the brutality of close combat battles, the sleepless nights holding the checkpoint by our soldiers and people.

Photo: The bell tower of Long Hung Church, above which still has the collapsed concrete part

3. A stopover in the "Nostalgia" journey

• After more than half a century, Long Hung Church still stands as a monument to courage. Currently, the site has been restored and preserved to serve visitors from afar to explore and learn about history.
• Heritage journey: Along with the Citadel, Bo De School, and Thach Han River wharf, Long Hung Church creates a deeply emotional spiritual and historical connection.
• Educational value: The image of a remaining part of the wooden cross among the bullet-marked walls compels anyone who stops here to reflect on the value of peace.

Photo: The church has now become one of the tourist destinations in the special national heritage site of Quang Tri Citadel

If you have the chance to pass through this road, please stop by Long Hung Church. Amid the peaceful space of Hai Lang countryside today, those old walls still silently tell future generations about a heroic fiery time of Quang Tri land.

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Source: Ba Cuong