Cổ Liễn Communal House

Cổ Liễn is an ancient village of the former Hà Tây region, located in the Sơn Tây – Đoài area, where many cultural, historical, and traditional values have been preserved and passed down by generations of ancestors over many generations. In the area of Cổ Đông hamlet, Đoài Phương commune, Hà Nội city, valuable ancient architectural works are still preserved, including Cổ Liễn Communal House.

Cổ Liễn Communal House was built long ago to worship Tây Kỳ Vương Nguyễn Kính, a real historical figure who made many contributions in the history of the nation. According to local documents, Nguyễn Kính was born in the Mậu Thìn year (1508), in Dị Nậu commune, Thạch Thất district. He served as an official under the Mạc dynasty and was granted the title Trung Thành Tây Kỳ Vương. After his death, he was respected and worshipped by the people and honored as the Đương cảnh Thành Hoàng of the village.

To commemorate the merits of the Thành Hoàng, the people of Cổ Liễn built the communal house as a place of worship, organized religious activities and community cultural activities. According to traditional custom, villagers avoid using the word “Kỳ” in the title “Tây Kỳ Vương” when saying the name, and often pronounce it altered as “Cờ”, showing respect for the Thành Hoàng worshipped at the communal house.

In terms of architecture, Cổ Liễn Communal House was built in the Nhị style, consisting of two buildings, Đại bái and Hậu cung, facing south. The choice of south orientation is consistent with traditional feng shui concepts and also adapts to Vietnam's hot and humid tropical climate. Within the relic site, many architectural components and artifacts dating from around the early 18th century to the late 19th century are still preserved, contributing to reflecting the history of the communal house's formation and development through different periods. In front of the communal house there is also a large ancient lim tree, creating a focal point for the landscape and contributing to enhancing the antiquity and solemnity of the relic.

Every year, on the 7th day of the first lunar month, local people organize a traditional festival at the communal house to remember and honor the merits of the Thành Hoàng and the ancestors who contributed to the homeland and country. The festival is also an occasion for the community to meet, interact, maintain customs and practices, and educate tradition for present and future generations.