An over-thousand-year-old ancient tower in Quang Nam

Update: 17/10/2024
The Bang An ancient tower, over 1,000 years old, stands in Dien An ward (Quang Nam province), approximately 14km from Hoi An city.

Bang An ancient tower is considered one of the largest and most impressive brick sculptures from the Champa civilization that has survived over the centuries. Photo: Vietnamnet.vn

Bang An tower in octagonal shape. Photo: Vietnamnet.vn

The porch is spacious, with the main entrance facing east to allow sunlight in. Photo: Vietnamnet.vn

The tower has two side doors. Photo: Vietnamnet.vn

The tower from the above. Photo: Vietnamnet.vn

The tower features geometric patterns at the junctions between the base and body, and the body and the top. Photo: Vietnamnet.vn

In front of the main gate, there are two sandstone statues of Gajasimha (a mythical creature with an elephant's head and a lion's body). Photo: Vietnamnet.vn

The shrine resembles a giant Linga, and the tower's layout symbolizes a Yoni, reflecting Cham religious beliefs. Photo: Vietnamnet.vn

Bang An' s shrine is in octagonal shape. Photo: Vietnamnet.vn

Inside the tower there is a Linga statue, a symbol of Shiva, but only the altar remains. Photo: Vietnamnet.vn

The top of the spire seen from inside the shrine. Photo: Vietnamnet.vn

The tower is made of baked bricks, with no visible mortar joints. Photo: Vietnamnet.vn

There is a stone stele engraved with ancient Champa characters in the tower's grounds. Photo: Vietnamnet.vn

Translated by Cam Hy

Source: Quang Nam News - en.baoquangnam.vn - Oct 15, 2024