Overview:

The Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam, is a historic site first established in 1070 to honor Confucius and the scholars and sages who studied under him. It is Vietnam’s oldest university and served as the premier center of learning for centuries. Over the years, the Temple of Literature has remained largely intact and is now a historical monument and popular tourist destination. Inside the temple are five courtyards, statues, pavilions, and stone carvings that are dedicated to Confucianism, literature and the art of calligraphy. In the Temple grounds, goats and birds roam freely, making it a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. The Temple of Literature is also home to bronze steles inscribed with the names of the 1307 distinguished candidates who passed the royal examinations from 1442 to 1779. The Temple of Literature remains a living legacy to the achievements of the scholars and sages who gathered in Hanoi centuries ago. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Vietnam
Prominent Features:

, a prominent feature is the Temple of Literature in Hanoi. The temple is a historic structure built in 1070 to serve as Vietnam's first university. It was originally a royal palace and dedicated to Confucius, the Chinese philosopher, and today it stands as a memorial to education and the Confucian philosophy. It is located in the heart of Hanoi and features five courtyards, four of which are filled with various structures and pavilions, with the fifth arching over the temple's main gate. The grounds also feature numerous statues of Confucius and literature-related motifs, as well as Vietnam's 83 degree-granting mandarins. The temple is one of the most-visited sites in the city and provides an experience that provides insight into Vietnam's rich culture. This national monument of Vietnam portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Temple of Literature in Hanoi is the first university in Vietnam. It was built in 1070 in honour of Confucius and dedicated to learning and scholarship. The temple served as a Confucian university until 1485, when it was converted into a Buddhist temple. For centuries the Temple of Literature has been a symbol of Vietnamese cultural pride and a site of pilgrimage for those wishing to understand their heritage. The temple complex is the only preserved example of the feudal architecture from the Ly and Tran periods, and is one of the most visited sites in Vietnam. The Temple of Literature consists of five courtyards laid out in a traditional Chinese configuration. The first courtyard contains the Khue Van pavilion and the Khue Van Cac, a stone turtle bearing the names of those who passed the court exams. These two revered objects are surrounded by statues of Confucian sages and other dignitaries. The second courtyard is dedicated to the Eight Immortals of the Chinese legend. The third courtyard is home to the Well of Heavenly Clarity, the four circular platforms known as the Altar of Great Sacrifice, and the stelae dedicated to accomplished scholars. The fourth courtyard is the courtyard of the Van Mieu, which houses 82 stelae engraved with the names and details of the men who successfully passed the court exams. Finally, the fifth courtyard is dedicated to the Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam, or the Imperial Academy. Today, the Temple of Literature is a popular tourist destination in Hanoi and remains a symbol of Vietnamese intellectual achievement. You must visit one of these historical places in Vietnam on your Vietnam tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Temple of Literature, also known as Văn Miếu in Vietnamese, is a medieval university and a temple in Hanoi, Vietnam. Built in 1070, it is also the first national university of Vietnam. 2. The temple, which is dedicated to Confucius, was built by Emperor Ly Nhan Tong and was meant to honor scholars and men of talent. It originally housed the imperial academy, or ‘Quốc Tử Giám’, a prestigious school that offered a pre-university education. 3. The entrance of the temple is guarded by two enormous Chinese-style pillars known as 'Tất Tợn'. These statues represent two of the first scholars of Vietnam. 4. Inside, there are five large courtyards, with the third courtyard featuring the 'Steles of Doctors', which are the 82 stone tablets of the men of talent who passed their exams in the royal court. 5. The fourth courtyard includes one of the most famous sites in the Temple of Literature, which is the 'Kiến Thiên Gate'. This gate is the entrance to a large courtyard and is decorated with intricately carved dragons and turtles. 6. In the rear of the fourth courtyard is the 'Khue Van Pavilion', which is used for storing the stone tablets containing the names of those who had succeeded in imperial exams. 7. The temple was the site of the first entrance exam known as the 'Thang Long Examination', which took place in the year 1237. This exam, along with the other examinations administered at the temple, established a standard for scholars and academics, which has been the impetus of education in Vietnam ever since. 8. According to legend, the Hang Pagoda, a three-tiered tower situated in the fifth courtyard, is the final resting place of Confucius himself. This is why the tower is considered the most sacred section of the temple. Visit one of the famous monuments of Vietnam with your friends and family.