Ninh Binh: Two more relics recognized as special national relics

Panorama of Tam Chuc Scenic Complex.

The Tam Chuc Scenic Landscape Complex is located in Tam Chuc Ward, Ninh Binh Province, about 4 km from the Perfume Pagoda Complex. This is an area with a tropical humid limestone karst landscape, with outstanding geological significance, similar to Trang An. The development of the terrain over more than 5 million years has formed a landscape of pristine, splendid beauty with outstanding aesthetic values, a blend of towering mountains, covered by forest carpets, basins, caves and underground streams. The complex also represents ecological and biological processes, and is the habitat of the Delacour's Langur population, one of the rarest primates in the world with a population of more than 400 individuals.

In addition, archaeological studies show that Tam Chuc was home to ancient Vietnamese people, influenced by Hoa Binh culture from 20,000 to 30,000 years ago. Excavation results at Doi 4 cave discovered a double burial in a kneeling position dating back about 10,000 years, this is one of the 10 earliest Hoa Binh cultural relics in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. This area also preserves traces of the formation and development of Buddhism, especially associated with Zen master Nguyen Minh Khong of the Ly dynasty and Buddhist king Tran Nhan Tong.

Co Le Pagoda

Co Le Pagoda, whose Chinese name is Than Quang Tu, is located in Co Le commune, Ninh Binh province. It was built during the Ly dynasty (12th century) and is associated with the merits of Saint Nguyen Minh Khong. However, the current structure is a product of Venerable Pham Quang Tuyen's creation in the early 20th century.

The special feature of this pagoda is its unique architectural art, harmoniously combining traditional Eastern architecture with Western Gothic architecture, demonstrating the harmony between Buddhism and Christianity. Co Le Pagoda is also a place to worship the father and son Doctor Dao Toan Ban and the first place winner Dao Su Tich, who contributed to building the homeland and laying the foundation for the tradition of learning in this land. Co Le Pagoda Festival takes place from the 13th to the 16th of the 9th lunar month every year to celebrate the birthday of Saint Nguyen Minh Khong. After many events, the work is still preserved almost intact, becoming an extremely rare masterpiece of East-West architecture.

The ranking of these two relics not only affirms the unique cultural, historical and architectural values of the relics but also opens up many opportunities for the preservation and promotion of heritage values and sustainable tourism development in the locality.

With two newly recognized relics, up to now, Ninh Binh province is proud to have 10 special national relics.

News and photos: Nguyen Luu - Ngoc Linh

Source: https://baoninhbinh.org.vn/ninh-binh-them-2-di-tich-duoc-cong-nhan-la-di-tich-quoc-gia-dac-biet-rdd08a-250911162353924.html