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Over 53 generations spanning 113 years, the Island Lord's Mansion in Côn Đảo served as a lavish residence and workplace for the heads of the governing authority at the Côn Đảo prison.
The Island Lord's Mansion
The Island Lord's Mansion, also known as the Governor's Mansion or the Provincial Governor's Residence, was the home and office of the island rulers. It was also the starting point for issuing orders that sent prisoners to the Côn Đảo prison. Construction began in 1862 and was completed in 1876. There were 39 island lords during the French colonial period and 14 during the American imperialist era. The mansion covers an area of about 1.86 hectares, including the main building, annexes, and gardens.
The main building is constructed from wood and stone. While the exterior appears ancient, the interior is quite modern. It includes functional rooms such as a living room, bedroom, and kitchen. In addition to the workspace, the mansion also features a recreation area for the island lords. In front of the mansion is a small garden with lush greenery. The mansion showcases the classic beauty of traditional French architecture. Over time, the vintage elements and items inside the mansion have remained largely intact, preserving its unique characteristics.
Inside the Island Lord's Mansion
In 2019, The Island Lord's Mansion underwent restoration and preservation. Additionally, the interior was reconstructed to reflect the lifestyle of the island rulers. Inside the mansion, many artifacts can be found, such as wooden tables and chairs, beds, and shelves. A billiard table is placed in the living room. The office, measuring approximately 20m², features furniture predominantly made of wood, with intricately carved wooden tables and chairs. The bedroom contains a delicately carved wooden bed. Next to it is a modern bathroom equipped with a bathtub, washbasin, and mirror.
The island rulers enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, in stark contrast to the brutal and oppressed existence of the prisoners. The prisoners were often forced to work hard in the mansion's garden. They were also tasked with fulfilling all the island rulers' needs, from meals to daily activities. The island rulers frequently made decisions to suppress the prisoners. As a result, numerous prisoner uprisings occurred during this period.
The Island Lord's Mansion stands as a vivid testament to a painful historical period. On April 29, 1979, the Island Lord's Mansion was officially recognized as an important national historical site. On May 10, 2012, the Prime Minister signed Decision No. 548/QĐ-TTg, officially designating it as a National Special Monument.
According to Mytour.vn
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Reference: Mytour.vn Travel Guide
Mytour.vnSeptember 23, 2024
