Phu Dien Tower in Phu Vang, Thua Thien Hue, is one of the oldest Champa brick architectural works still existing in the Central region.
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| Possessing many historical and cultural values, Phu Dien tower in Thua Thien Hue was recognized as a National Monument immediately after its discovery. (Source: VNE) |
Phu Dien Tower was accidentally discovered on April 18, 2001, when a group of mining workers found a brick buried deep in the sand in My Khanh village, Phu Dien commune, Phu Vang district, Thua Thien Hue.
This event immediately attracted the attention of the authorities, opening up a challenging but very proud journey of conservation and research.
Phu Dien Tower has a rectangular structure, 8.22 m long, 7.12 m wide, with levels gradually decreasing towards the top. According to researchers, this is a dwarf tower architecture and is the first group of towers of Champa brick architecture before switching to construction with sustainable materials.
This unique ancient tower was then buried 5-7 m deep in the sand, 3-4 m below sea level and only 120 m from the sea's edge.
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| The building is currently preserved in situ in a greenhouse architecture to minimize negative impacts on the natural environment. (Source: VNE) |
Current research dates the tower back to the 8th century, making it one of the oldest remaining Cham towers in central Vietnam. The tower not only has unique architectural value but also contains historical stories about the ancient Champa culture.
The simplicity yet sophistication in the tower’s design reflects a unique architectural and religious style. After being buried in sand for a long time, the structure is now preserved in situ in a greenhouse to limit the negative impacts of the natural environment.
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| Five meters in front of the main door of the tower, there is a square altar built with bricks using a grinding technique, 1.4 meters high and 1.38 meters long. Researchers believe that this was formerly the place where the worship statue was placed. (Source: VNE) |
Inside the tower, archaeologists found many important artifacts such as pedestals for linga (representing yang characteristics) and yoni (yin characteristics) demonstrating the worship of the ancient Cham people. The ceramic vases found also show the sophistication and development of the ceramic craft at that time.
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| Inside the tower seen from the entrance, there is an altar inside. (Source: VNE) |
The conservation process of Phu Dien Tower over the past 20 years has not only protected a valuable architectural heritage but also become an important destination for those who want to explore and learn about Champa cultural heritage. This is also a vivid testament to the richness and diversity of Vietnamese culture.
Also in the year of discovery 2001, Phu Dien tower was immediately recognized as a national architectural and artistic relic.
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| The building blocks have been greatly deformed by time and the impact of nature over many centuries. (Source: VNE) |
More than 20 years later, on May 30, 2022, the World Records Union (Worldkings) established a World Record for Phu Dien Tower with the criterion "The first ancient brick Cham tower excavated and preserved deep under the coastal sand dunes in the world".
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/thap-phu-dien-di-san-kien-truc-quy-o-thua-thien-hue-277339.html
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