Van Nien Pagoda

Van Nien Pagoda – its very name affirms the enduring presence of the relic in our nation's long history of national defense and construction. Overcoming harsh natural challenges, wars, and fires, the pagoda has been closely tied to the cultural and spiritual life of local people and of Thang Long – Hanoi. Over time, the historical content and values of the relic have accumulated and been enriched, becoming a precious heritage in the nation's cultural treasure. Local folk legends and old historical records indicate that Van Nien Pagoda was built as early as the Ly dynasty (11th century).

Currently, Van Nien Pagoda still preserves a body of architectural structures and a collection of relics of high historical and artistic value. These are scientific evidence for dating the pagoda's foundation and contribute to assessing the true values of the relic. Typical relics of the pagoda include: the ancient walls of the main pagoda built with vo bricks (a typical material of the Ly dynasty); a set of 46 round statues (including 26 Buddha statues, 20 Mother Goddess and patriarch statues); two bronze bells dating from the Nguyen dynasty, 11 royal edicts conferring titles on deities, and many other ritual objects. For many years, the relic has always been respected, preserved, repaired, and embellished, becoming increasingly spacious and dignified.

The pagoda was ranked as a Historical and Cultural Relic by the State on February 13, 1996.

Located in the cultural space of West Lake, Van Nien Pagoda is a valuable tourist attraction of Hanoi, the capital, and a landmark and cultural address affirming the long-standing tradition and history of Xuan Tao So village within the capital.