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    One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi

    | 12 Jan 2010
    • One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi
    , 0 Comment
    12 Jan 2010

    The oldest landmark of the Ba Dinh Square area is the One Pillar Pagoda. The site of the pagoda has had great significance in Hanoi almost since the city's founding 1000 years ago. Emperor Ly Thai Tong built the lotus inspired structure on a single pillar in 1049 to express his gratitude to Quan Am, the Goddess of Mercy following the birth of his son.

    In an act of wanton vandalism that might help explain the current ravaging of French era architecture in Saigon and Hanoi, vanquished French forces destroyed the pagoda in 1954 as they departed their former colony. The current structure, resting on a concrete pillar, was built by Hanoi's incoming Communist government.


    Photo: Mark BowyerOne Pillar Pagoda is in a beautiful serene setting - providing the tour groups are elsewhere
    The One Pillar Pagoda is in a beautiful green setting and is a nice change of pace from the historical weight of the other Ba Dinh square sites - the Ho Chi Minh Museum, Mausoleum and the house on stilts.

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    Vietnam, Hanoi, Ba Dinh Square, history, architecture, Ly Thai Tong, Quan Am

    Mark Bowyer
    Mark Bowyer is the founder and publisher of Rusty Compass.
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    Rusty Compass is an independent travel guide focused on creating quality, unbiased, travel info. We don't take payments for listings and we pay our way or disclose. We’d like tourism to be a positive economic, environmental and cultural force and we believe travellers deserve integrity from publishers. Spread the word! If you're in Saigon, pop in to The Old Compass Cafe and say hi. It’s our home right downtown on Pasteur St. You can also check out our unique tours of Saigon and Sydney at www.oldcompasstravel.com Buy us a drink using the link below. Even small amounts make a difference. Thanks and travel well!

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