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The Banh It towers. Photo Nguyen Dinh/sgtt.vn |
The Kon River is allegedly called the fairy river as it is closely related to the development cause of Binh Dinh from the past to present. Along the lower course of the river is a series of more than 40 ancient towers built hundreds of years ago. Their ancient features have attracted scores of visitors who love exploring the beauty of the land of martial arts.
Distinctive features of Banh It towers
It takes half an hour to travel from the centre of Quy Nhon city to the Banh It towers which are located on a low hill. It has got specific architectural characteristics and is one of the great temple-towers of the Champa Dynasty, which draw the attention of researchers.
Located at the high hill in Dai Loc Hamlet, Phuoc Hiep Commune, Tuy Phuoc District, 25km from Qui Nhon City, Banh It towers now include 4 towers: Main Tower, Nam (South) Tower, Cong (Gate) Tower, and Dong (East) Tower. The Main Tower is 22m in height.
The architecture of Banh It Towers bears the Binh Dinh sculptural style of 12th century with small, embossed lines on the walls. Leaf-and flower-shaped motifs are only found on edges of the roofs, and dancing senses are found on false gates. Carvings of dancing girls and many valuable sculptures such as the stone statue of Siva, statue of Ganesa, statue of goddess Uma, and bronze statue of Bhahma, were discovered here during the French domination period (and brought to France). (crossindochina.com)
Duong Long towers complex
The tower is located at Go Gang, Binh Hoa Commune, Tay Son District, 40km from Quy Nhon City and 270km from Da Nang City. Duong Long towers are comprised of a group of the three biggest of the existing Cham Towers. The highest tower, 24m high, is in the middle. This group with a very beautiful architectural design was built in the late 12th century.
The tower's body is built of bricks. The corners have got motifs with stone carvings of sacred animals such as Garuda birds, elephants, and eagles. Its gate faces the east and is rather high (about 1,5m) and the gate's frame is made of big stones. Its upper part is built of big stones, which are skillfully superimposed on each other.
Many big, body leaf-shaped bas embossments describing monks, dancers and singers are found on the walls. These figures with rather big heads wear corner hats. All the decorative motifs of the tower are very big and carved on sandstone. They are well-preserved. This tower complex is one of the most beautiful in the central of Vietnam. (crossindochina.com)
Emperor Citadel
Thanh Hoang De, or Emperor Citadel, has stood the test of time as an historical witness through the ups and downs of history. Built in 1776, it was first called Do Ban Citadel, and later renamed Emperor Rampart. In 1799 the citadel was lost to the Nguyen Dynasty and the name was once again changed to Binh Dinh Wall.
According to a monograph, the Emperor Wall was 7,400 meters in perimeter and was built with five gates: North, West, East, South (also called Ve gate) and Tan Khai.
There was a flag tower in the centre and on the right a damaged grave with flowers and incense. At one time, there were many ramparts here, the Imperial Citadel and Purple Forbidden City among others. However, now there are no soldiers, just the whistling wind. Two semicircle lakes have been excavated where the imperial concubines bathed.
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