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Delve into the mysteries of Nhạn Tower, one of the ancient architectural wonders of the Cham people, preserving age-old cultural elements and mysteries.
Discover the Fascinating Nhạn Tower – an 800-Year-Old Marvel of the Cham People
Phú Yên province has been witness to numerous historical events and a melting pot of cultures, especially the Cham Pa culture. Notably, Nhạn Tower stands as a rare surviving architectural marvel of the Cham people. This artistic masterpiece holds significant historical and scholarly value, recognized as a nationally listed architectural heritage site.
Nhạn Tower is situated atop Nhạn Mountain on the northern bank of the Đà Rằng River, near Tuy Hòa city, Phú Yên. Constructed around the 12th century, the site derives its name from the abundant population of swallows nesting here.
The genesis of the tower dates back to the legend of the celestial maiden Thiên Y A Na descending to earth. She imparted knowledge on various aspects of livelihood, such as agriculture, weaving, and spinning, to the locals to sustain themselves. In homage to her enlightenment, the Cham Pa people erected the tower upon her return to the celestial realm.
Nhạn Tower stands at a height of approximately 23.5 meters, comprising three sections: the base, body, and roof. As the tower ascends, each level gradually decreases in size. The base is tall and square, adorned with multicolored sandstone. The body is the most imposing part, displaying a vibrant reddish-brown hue, progressively widening towards the top.
The roof section features four corners resembling lotus buds, with large monolithic stones atop each corner symbolizing Linga – the embodiment of masculine energy, representing the deity Shiva, one of the supreme beings in Hinduism.
Nhạn Tower is entirely constructed with tightly interlocking fired bricks, renowned for their lightweight yet durable nature. Studies suggest these bricks possess superior compression and impact resistance compared to regular bricks. To this day, the method of mixing the adhesive to securely bond the bricks without revealing any mortar lines remains a mystery.
Nhạn Tower boasts only one entrance, facing eastward. Its interior is modestly adorned, devoid of platforms, with a simple altar dedicated to the Goddess Thiên Y A Na. Visitors are kindly requested to remove their shoes before entering the altar area.
According to Mytour
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourSeptember 21, 2022
