Nam Giao Altar: A typical architectural complex of the Ho Dynasty

The Nam Giao Altar of the Ho Dynasty, Vinh Loc town (Vinh Loc) is one of the few structures belonging to the World Heritage Site of the Ho Dynasty Citadel that remains almost intact to this day.

The Nam Giao Altar of the Ho Dynasty Citadel was built by the Ho Dynasty in 1402, about 2.5 km southeast of the Ho Dynasty Citadel, and has an area of ​​over 2 hectares, with its back leaning against Dun Mountain (Dun Mountain), and its front is the Nam Giao field, the structure consists of many levels of foundations that gradually narrow from low to high.

Leading to the center of the altar is a spiritual path paved with polished green stone slabs. Inside the highest platform, there are traces of a circular altar (the altar), 4.75m in diameter. There are still many architectural traces of the surrounding platforms: Upper Platform, Middle Platform, Lower Platform.

The main architectural materials used to build the temple are bluestone and terracotta materials (bricks, tiles, etc.).

The altar is the center and most important part of the altar. This is where the Emperor performs sacrificial ceremonies.

The ceremony is to pray for favorable weather, national peace and prosperity. The King's Well is a structure discovered during the archaeological excavation of the Nam Giao Altar. The King's Well has a square shape. The walls of the well are built with carefully crafted green stone blocks, creating steps that gradually taper from the outside to the inside, creating the shape of an inverted pyramid. Tourists visit the Nam Giao Altar. Ritual at Nam Giao Altar.

The Nam Giao Altar was forgotten underground for many centuries. The Nam Giao Altar Relic Site was discovered and included in the statistics since the 80s of the 20th century. In 1990, the historical and cultural relic complex including Tran Khat Chan Temple, Giang Pagoda (Tuong Van), Gio Pagoda (Nhan Lo) and the Nam Giao Altar were recognized as provincial relics. In October 2007, the Nam Giao Altar was recognized as a national archaeological relic.

Source: https://vhds.baothanhhoa.vn/dan-te-nam-giao-quan-the-kien-truc-dac-trung-cua-vuong-trieu-ho-26500.htm