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The unique architecture of the ceremonial gate is considered one of the most beautiful in Nghe An province.

Huy Thu • August 1, 2024 10:18

Visiting Dang Cao Palace in Dai Dong commune, Thanh Chuong district, tourists are amazed and impressed by the ancient and majestic beauty of the three-tiered ceremonial gate, considered one of the most beautiful in Nghe An province.

bna_1..jpg — Phu Dang Cao, located in the middle of Am field, Dai Dong commune, was built during the Le Dynasty to worship the famous generals of the Nguyen Canh family who made great contributions to the country, such as Thai Pho Tan Quoc Cong Nguyen Canh Hoan, Cuong Quan Cong Nguyen Canh Van, and Pho Nham Hau Nguyen Canh Yen. The complex covers an area of nearly 2000 square meters.²There are many structures: the ceremonial gate, the lower hall, the middle hall, the upper hall, the courtyard, the lotus pond... Photo: Huy Thu

bna_2(1).jpg — Among them, the ceremonial gate is the most uniquely designed structure, construction of which began in 1938 and was completed in 1941. In the photo: The ceremonial gate of Dang Cao Palace viewed from the front. Photo: Huy Thu

bna_3(1).jpg — The ceremonial gate comprises many elements such as pavilions, pillars, guardian statues, lampposts, etc., interconnected to create a unified structure with a majestic form, yet possessing soft, sharp lines and patterns, strongly reflecting the architectural fusion of European and Asian styles. In the photo: The ceremonial gate of Dang Cao Palace viewed from the rear. Photo: Huy Thu.

bna_4(1).jpg — The ceremonial gatehouse has three levels, over 10 meters high, supported by four large pillars. The shafts and tops of the pillars are stepped and decorated with geometric patterns... The pillars are connected to create four doorways leading in four directions. Above the front door are three large Chinese characters: "cao - thiên - phối" (high - heaven - compatible). The roof of the first level is made of concrete, converging into a dome shape, decorated with golden stars and floral motifs... Photo: Huy Thư

bna_5(1).jpg — The second floor, front and back, features two circular doors decorated with bamboo, vines, geometric patterns, and scrolls. The tiled roofs of the third floor of the ceremonial gate are curved with graceful, flowing dragon motifs. Grand and unique in architecture; balanced and harmonious in composition and aesthetics; soft and sharp in every detail, the ceremonial gate has created a rare and distinctive beauty for the Dang Cao Palace - a Provincial-level Historical and Artistic Monument. Photo: Huy Thu

The pillars of the ceremonial gate are attached to walls adorned with floral motifs, featuring the character "longevity," and topped with bas-reliefs of mythical creatures, dragons, and flowers. The statues of human figures, the "four mythical creatures," and the bas-relief landscape paintings on the walls are exquisite works of art, showcasing the skillful artistry and refined aesthetic sense of ancient craftsmen. Photo: Huy Thu

It is known that the process of preparing the materials for building the ceremonial gate lasted a whole year. During that time, descendants of the Nguyen Canh family took turns carrying sand, transporting it by wheelbarrow from the Lam River to the palace, making bricks, melting bricks, carrying stones, and boiling lime… In the photo: A graceful dragon figure made of lime mortar, pottery shards, and porcelain "winds" across the ceremonial gate. Photo: Huy Thu

Back then, cement wasn't as readily available as it is now; one had to "ask permission from the village head" and travel all the way to Hai Phong just to buy a few tons. Therefore, the mortar was mainly made from lime, sand, bời lời tree resin, and molasses. The Nguyen Canh family mobilized their descendants to go into the forest and cut down many bời lời trees to soak and extract the resin. The ceremonial gate's foundation was primarily built with old bamboo piles. In the photo: The "linked pillars" motif is vividly and gracefully sculpted in relief on the ceremonial gate wall. Photo: Huy Thu

According to the elderly members of the Nguyen Canh family, the entire clan celebrated on the day of the gate's inauguration. The total cost was 1,300 quan (Vietnamese currency), but because the construction lasted several years and required a lot of effort, the construction crew "suffered a loss" and "requested additional funds." In the photo: The image of the mythical creature kneeling on the pillar exudes an imposing and sturdy beauty. Photo: Huy Thu.

Over 80 years have passed, and the builders of the ancient structure have long since passed away, but the ceremonial gate still stands majestically amidst the village fields. The ceremonial gate of Dang Cao Palace boasts a unique architecture, harmoniously blending French and traditional Eastern styles. It is a work of high artistic value, considered one of the most beautiful ceremonial gates among the historical sites in Nghe An province. Photo: Huy Thu

The unique beauty of the ceremonial gate of Dang Cao Palace. Video: Huy Thu

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The unique architecture of the ceremonial gate is considered one of the most beautiful in Nghe An province.

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