The only vestige left of the altar in the middle of the capital

Located in the outdoor display area of ​​the Vietnam National Museum of History (Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi), the Nam Giao stele is the only remaining vestige of the ancient Thang Long Imperial Citadel altar. This is a rare and precious artifact under Le Trung Hung’s reign and was recognized as a National Treasure in 2015.

The stele was erected in the 4th year of the Vinh Tri era, during the reign of King Le Hy Tong (1679) in Thang Long citadel. Stele carved from stone, rectangular in shape, semicircular curved forehead, size: Height: 213 cm; width: 146 cm; Thickness: 34cm

The beer is placed on a three-level rectangular pedestal. According to researchers, this is a rare and exquisitely carved stele in the ancient stela system of Vietnam.

The stele’s forehead border is engraved with the theme of two dragons adoring the moon and clouds

The fringe around the stele is carved with dragons, phoenixes, clouds…

The beer pedestal is embossed with dragon horse and flowers. Decorative patterns represent typical themes of sculpture art in the Le Trung Hung period

The soft, sharp sculptural lines show a high level of sculptural technique of this period

The body of the stele is engraved with a Chinese script written by Dr. Drafted by Nguyen Tien Trieu, Dr. Main Leap Ho Si Duong

Experiencing many changes in the country’s history, the Nam Giao Thang Long is no longer there, but the sacred values ​​​​and the remaining ancient stone stele contain many great values ​​​​in terms of history, culture, and architecture. of Le Trung Hung’s time