hanoi temple literature gate long hanoi temple literature gate long

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hanoi
Temple of Literature

Sights - Temple of Literature

The temple was built in 1070 at the time of Emperor Lý Thánh Tông and it hosted the Imperial Academy, Vietnam’s first national university, from 1076 to 1779. The purpose of Imperial Academy was to educate Vietnam’s bureaucrats, nobles, royalty and other members of the elite.

The 54 hectares of the five courtyards, each with a gate, various pavilions, halls and statues are places where offering ceremonies, study sessions and the exams of the Đại Việt took place. The Temple of Literature is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese đồng banknote.

In 1802, the Nguyễn dynasty’s monarchs founded the Huế capital where they established a new Imperial Academy. The academy at the Hanoi then lost its prominence and became a regular school of the Hoài Đức District.

Visiting today

The Temple of Literature today is a historic sight and is preserved for future generations because of its long time in national importance. The grounds are actively fairly well kept, the large gate houses are truly a wonder to see. You can walk around the halls inside, even upstairs - where there is a smell of vintage wood that is rather delightful while walking amongst all the exhibits and reading the available information.

hanoi temple literature entrance hanoi temple literature entrance

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The entrance gate, this is a view from inside the grounds looking out. There are gates for each courtyard.
hanoi temple literature gate pond hanoi temple literature gate pond

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A gate house entrance to the next courtyard with a pond. A rather lovely view.
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The large bell that would be used to summon students and other persons within the temple of literature.
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Inside the main building in the last courtyard. A blend of philosophy and academia in a Confucius academy.