Ponagar Tower, located in the coastal city of Nha Trang, dates back to the eighth to 13th centuries and stands proudly on Cu Lao Hill. It is dedicated to Goddess Ponagar, revered as the “Mother of the Cham people.”
The area of towers and temples of the Ponagar Tower - Photos: Xuan Vinh
In 1979, Ponagar Tower was designated a National Historical and Cultural Relic, and in 2012, the Ponagar Tower Festival received recognition as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Today, it is a captivating destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Constructed from baked bricks and adorned with numerous statues, reliefs, decorative patterns, and inscriptions, Ponagar Tower reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Cham people and the process of cultural assimilation that connects various Vietnamese ethnic communities.
The site continues to be carefully restored and preserved, serving as an important venue for religious activities.
The Ponagar Tower is an architectural complex that consists of the Gate Tower, the Mandapa pillared hall and the area of towers and temples
Tourists learn the unique architecture of the Ponagar Tower
Due to historical fluctuations, the relic now has structures only on two floors. Of which, the Mandapa pillared hall has four rows of octagonal brick columns, including 10 large columns in the center covered by 12 smaller columns
The relic was built with baked bricks…
… and features unique statues, reliefs, decorative patterns and inscriptions on the towers
Groups of tourists enjoy taking photos at the Ponagar Tower
Ancient royal decrees are displayed at the relic
Tourists learn about the tower complex through the displayed documents
Unique Cham ceramic products are displayed at the Ponagar Tower
Traditional dances during the Ponagar Tower Festival lure guests
A panoramic view of a corner of the Ponagar Tower
An impressive image of the Ponagar Tower
By Xuan Vinh