Thượng Tiết Pagoda

Gate of Thượng Tiết Pagoda and Temple

Thượng Tiết Pagoda, also known as Phúc Lâm Pagoda, is located in Thượng Tiết Village, Đại Hưng Commune, Mỹ Đức District, Hanoi City. Thượng Tiết Pagoda was built in the 15th century, during the prosperous period of the Hồ Dynasty, on the same plot of land as Thượng Tiết Temple, forming a harmonious complex of relics rich in historical imprints and traditional cultural values. The overall temple grounds include items such as the Stupa Garden, the Three Jewels Hall, the Ancestor Hall, and the Mother Goddess Hall, creating a sacred complex with a strong traditional character. The pagoda is located to the east adjacent to the temple dedicated to Ngô Quyền, a national hero revered by the people; to the south is the entrance gate; to the west is a guest house serving activities and receiving visitors from all directions; to the north is a cool garden of ancient trees, creating a serene landscape close to nature. The architecture of Thượng Tiết Pagoda consists of three connected buildings, forming a harmonious and balanced whole. The first building is the Front Hall, built in a single-row plan, serving as the main worship space. The second section includes the Upper Hall and the Rear Sanctuary, arranged in the traditional Đinh-shaped plan, a common architectural style in ancient Vietnamese pagodas. All buildings are constructed with solid brick walls, with characteristic closed gables, square dovetail ties, combined with a sturdy roof frame in the Đinh shape. The pagoda roof is tiled, designed with two sloping gable roofs creating a soft and graceful appearance. The roof structure uses the kèo câu quái giang style, a traditional architectural technique with precious xoan wood as the main material, demonstrating sophistication and durability in folk carpentry art. Thượng Tiết Pagoda was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic on March 15, 2000.