Unique architecture of a 5-century tiled bridge in Thanh Nam

GĐXH - Among the types of ancient bridges in Vietnam, tile bridges are unique folk architectural works with high artistic value. In Thanh Nam land, there is still an ancient tiled bridge, 5 centuries old, with unique architecture.

GĐXH - Among the types of ancient bridges in Vietnam, tile bridges are unique folk architectural works with high artistic value. In Thanh Nam land, there is still an ancient tiled bridge, 5 centuries old, with unique architecture.

If Hoi An is famous for the Bridge Pagoda, Ninh Binh is famous for Phat Diem tiled bridge,... then the Luong Market tiled bridge is a famous historical relic of the land of Thanh Nam. With more than 500 years old, surpassing the flow of time, Cho Luong tiled bridge still fully retains its ancient beauty, with unique architecture throughout its history.

According to the reporter's research, the tiled bridge at Luong market is located in Hai Anh commune, Hai Hau district, Nam Dinh province, spanning the Trung Giang river, about 100m from Luong pagoda. The tiled bridge is also located right on the road leading to the pagoda. It has long been associated with the pagoda into a cluster of famous relics near and far, becoming an endless source of inspiration for many artists. The history of the pagoda and bridge is closely linked to the sea reclamation 500 years ago in the Hai Hau sea.

Tile bridge of Luong pagoda in Hai Anh commune, Hai Hau district, Nam Dinh province across Trung Giang river, about 100m from Luong pagoda.

The bridge was built during the Le Dynasty and is known as one of the most beautiful ancient bridges in Northern Vietnam. The bridge used to go into the song:

“Quan Anh has been famous since ancient times. Bien Dinh

Phong Lac stele at Phuc Lam pagoda

When guests come back, they still ask

Tea water from Cau Ngoi bridge, silk from Luong market".

According to ancient documents, at first, this bridge was simply one pile, without a tiled roof but only a simple grass roof. By the 17th century, the bridge was restored and repaired many times to match the structure and general landscape of the Luong pagoda complex. The biggest restoration was in 1922, when the bridge was covered with tiles.

The entire bridge consists of 9 sections curving like a rainbow, with 40 round columns, all made of ironwood, with long corridors on both sides serving as resting chairs.

The entire bridge consists of 9 sections curving like a rainbow, with 40 round columns, all made of ironwood, with long corridors on both sides serving as resting chairs. The bridge is built on 18 large, beautiful and sturdy square stone pillars. Along with the column and beam system, the layout is tight, meticulously machined, reaching a very high technical and artistic level, skillfully creating a soft, curved bridge frame.

The bridge roof system is covered with dragon scale tiles, shaped like a yin and yang nose, looking from afar it looks like a dragon rising and flying. Although the bridge is simply carved and engraved, it still harmoniously represents traditional architecture and the talented hands of ancient craftsmen with lines and threads on the trusses, beams, beams, and planks. create a butterfly shape; The head of the river creates the shape of a leaf.

The bridge is 2m wide and consists of many ironwood bars on rows of curved beams. The bridge floor has many shorter wooden bars with rounded edges to create raised edges to help pedestrians go up and down to avoid slipping. On both sides of the bridge are two rows of corridors and are also curved along the bridge wall.

The bridge is built on 18 large, beautiful and sturdy square stone pillars. Along with the column and beam system, the layout is tight, meticulously machined, reaching a very high technical and artistic level, skillfully creating a soft, curved bridge frame.

Outside the hallway is a railing with upper and lower panels and 162 leaf-shaped bars. The corridor is where tourists and residents can stop, sit, rest, and admire the river view.

The tiled bridge of Luong market also makes a special impression with the image of a scroll on the pillar, with a rolling door below. The letter has a soft shape and has 4 words "Quan Phuong commune kieu" (i.e. Quan Phuong commune bridge).

Each end of the bridge has 4 goats flanking it. Tile bridge is a place to travel and stop for pedestrians to rest and admire the river and village scenery. In the summer, the phoenix tree next to the tiled bridge blooms bright red, making the bridge more poetic and charming. It is the softness and flexibility in the architecture that gives Luong Pagoda's tile bridge its sophistication, different from bridges in other places.

With unique architectural and artistic values, the Luong market tile bridge was recognized by the State as a national historical and cultural relic in 1990.

With unique architectural and artistic values, the Luong market tile bridge was recognized by the State as a national historical and cultural relic in 1990.

Not only are they ancient architectural works, the tiled bridges in Thanh Nam are also very valuable in terms of history and culture. Therefore, over the years, localities have always paid attention to restoring, embellishing and preserving the value of tiled bridges.

Over time with many ups and downs, the bridges with ancient tiled roofs are still sturdy, brave with the passing years, becoming cultural symbols and pride of the people of Nam Dinh province.

Nam Dinh 1532 view

Update day : 16/12/2023