The name "So Kien" comes from the names of two villages: So village (or Ninh Phu) specializing in farming and Kien village (or Kien Khe) specializing in trading and lime burning.

The So Kien Basilica was started in 1877 and completed in 1882. This is also the only building in Vietnam built in the style of the Duomo Di Milano church complex of Italy, including the central church, the bishop's palace and the seminary, with typical Gothic architecture. From 1882 to 1936, the So Kien Basilica served as the diocesan cathedral, later it was transferred to the Hanoi Cathedral.

The main architectural block of the church is massive, with a length of 67.2m, a width of 31.2m, and a height of 23.2m. The interior is designed in a high dome style, with 4 rows of columns divided into 5 vertical compartments, creating a large space that can accommodate 4,000 - 5,000 people at the same time. The floor is lined with ironwood. On both sides of the wall are stained glass windows with decorative flowers or simulating events in the "Bible". In the middle of the front hall is a large cross, below is a 140-year-old statue of the Virgin Mary.

The building has a harmonious blend of traditional Vietnamese culture and classical European style, expressed through the sophisticated carvings on the ceiling and 3 high pointed arches on the facade. In particular, the sanctuary and altar area are made entirely of wood carved with patterns and gilded in traditional Vietnamese style.

Outside the church, located in a block with the facade are two 27m high bell towers, inside hang 4 bells with the tones do - mi - sol - do. The largest bell weighs 2,461kg and is called Bong bell by the locals. The remaining bells weigh 1,281kg, 717kg and the smallest is 318kg. The bell system was installed in 1898. Previously, it took 10 people to pull 4 bells at the same time. Today, this bell system has been equipped with electric motors for easier operation.

Inside the So Kien Basilica, there is still an ancient organ, along with the remains, blood-soaked cloths of many Vietnamese martyrs, and torture instruments used by the former authorities to torture them.

Since 1936, the bishop's residence and seminary were moved to Hanoi Cathedral. Since then, So Kien Basilica has become a parish church. In 2008, the Vietnamese Bishops' Council designated So Kien Church as the National Pilgrimage Center of Vietnamese Martyrs.

Source: hanoimoi.vn