National Historic Site - Triệu Tường Tomb and Temple, A Mark of the Nguyễn Dynasty

23/12/2024 1260 0
The Triệu Tường Tomb and Temple complex, located in Gia Miêu village, Hà Long commune, Hà Trung district, Thanh Hóa province, is an important historical site closely linked to the development of the Nguyễn Dynasty. The Trường Nguyên Tomb and the Triệu Tường fortress were constructed in 1803 by Emperor Gia Long in Gia Miêu village, Hà Long commune, Hà Trung district, the hometown and origin of 9 generations of lords and 13 generations of emperors of the Nguyễn Dynasty. This site preserves the historical marks of the Nguyễn Dynasty, especially relating to Emperor Gia Long, the founder of this dynasty.

National Historic Site - Triệu Tường Tomb and Temple: A Mark of the Nguyễn Dynasty

The Triệu Tường Tomb and Temple complex, located in Gia Miêu village, Hà Long commune, Hà Trung district, Thanh Hóa province, is an important historical site closely linked to the development of the Nguyễn Dynasty. The Trường Nguyên Tomb and the Triệu Tường fortress were constructed in 1803 by Emperor Gia Long in Gia Miêu village, Hà Long commune, Hà Trung district, the hometown and origin of 9 generations of lords and 13 generations of emperors of the Nguyễn Dynasty. This site preserves the historical marks of the Nguyễn Dynasty, especially relating to Emperor Gia Long, the founder of this dynasty.

Overview of the Triệu Tường Tomb and Temple Complex

Historical records state that after ascending to the throne in the second year of Gia Long's reign (1803), Emperor Gia Long visited the Thiên Tôn Tomb. In addition, he honored Gia Miêu Ngoại Trang as a "sacred land" and Tổng Sơn district as a "noble land." Nguyễn Phúc Ánh (Gia Long) then ordered the construction of a tomb and temple complex in his homeland to honor the past kings who founded his dynasty—this complex became known as the Triệu Tường Tomb and Temple.

Trường Nguyên Tomb and the Phương Cơ Foundation at the Foot of Thiên Tôn Mountain

In the 16th year of Minh Mệnh's reign, the emperor ordered the construction of the Triệu Tường fortress, with a perimeter of 182 rods, three gates, and a three-rod dragon moat. The Triệu Tường Tomb and Temple complex includes the following main components: the Trường Nguyên Tomb at Thiên Tôn Mountain, the Nguyên Temple, and the Trưng Quốc Công Temple, all located within the Triệu Tướng fortress. This area was renamed "Triệu Tường" instead of Thiên Tôn, and the tomb and temple complex is also referred to as the Triệu Tường Tomb. Trường Nguyên village, located at Triệu Tường Mountain (formerly Thiên Tôn Mountain), is the burial site of Triệu Tổ Tình Hoàng, with Nguyễn Kim and Tỉnh Queen also resting here.

Trường Nguyên Tomb: In the fifth year of Gia Long's reign, the tomb was named the Trường Nguyên Tomb. In the third year of Minh Mệnh's reign (1822), the emperor personally composed a poem and, in the first year of Thiệu Trị’s reign, he ordered the carving of the poem onto a stele and the construction of a pavilion to the left of the tomb. The Nguyên Temple is located within the Triệu Tường fortress. The main and front temples are both built with three rooms and two side wings, facing south. The central room enshrines Triệu Tổ Tình Hoàng Emperor Nguyễn Kim, while the left room enshrines Thái Tổ Gia Dụ Hoàng Emperor Nguyễn Hoàng.

The Trưng Quốc Công Temple is located to the left of the Nguyên Temple. Both the main and front temples are three rooms wide. The central room enshrines Trưng Quốc Công Nguyễn Văn Lưu, facing south, while the left room enshrines Lỵ Nhân Công, facing west.

Image of the Triệu Tường Temple Before 1945 (Collected)

The structures of the Trường Nguyên Tomb, Nguyên Temple, and Trưng Quốc Công Temple within the Triệu Tường fortress were destroyed around 1968-1970. In 2017, these structures were restored. The Triệu Tường Tomb and Temple complex is not only remarkable for its architecture but also serves as a living museum of sculpture, decoration, worship sites, and royal rituals. The buildings in the complex showcase the skill and refinement of the artisans of the Nguyễn Dynasty, with intricate carvings and deep cultural symbolism.

Current State of the Triệu Tường Tomb and Temple Historical Site Seen from Above (Collected)

Overview of the Triệu Tường Tomb and Temple Area

The Triệu Tường Tomb and Temple is not only a historical relic but also a symbol of honoring ancestors and a place that deeply marks the culture and art of the Nguyễn dynasty. It is one of the important locations that helps Vietnamese people and international visitors gain a better understanding of the formation and development of the Nguyễn dynasty.

Gia Miêu Communal House

The Triệu Tường Tomb and Temple area holds significant value, with historians describing this historical site as the "miniature imperial city of Huế." When visiting the tomb and temple, tourists can also explore other famous landmarks such as Gia Miêu Communal House, Ông Shrine, the Nguyễn Hữu family’s church, and have the opportunity to enjoy local specialties such as the royal sugarcane of Triệu Tường, Hà Trung sticky rice, royal fermented shrimp paste, and dishes made with stuffed snails. The Triệu Tường Tomb and Temple has been recognized as a National Archaeological Site according to Decision No. 35/QĐ-BVHTTDL on August 3, 2007.

 

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