HANOI: The Tower of Banh It in former Binh Dinh Province (now part of enlarged Gia Lai Province), is one of the oldest and largest surviving clusters of towers in the now defunct Kingdom of Champaa in central Vietnam. Its architecture bears the distinctive features of the Cham art, with intricate decorative motifs.
The complex was built in the late 11th and early 12th centuries and consists of four towers, each with its own unique architectural style and function.
Over the centuries, Banh It Tower has stood not only as an architectural work reflecting the construction techniques and sculptural art of the ancient Cham people, but also as a cultural and historical site preserving valuable traditions.
It reflects the cultural and spiritual life of the community, embodying the convergence of history, religion, and art, and contributing to the cultural identity of central Vietnam.
The complex was recognised as a national architectural and artistic relic in 1982. In 2014, it was listed among the top 10 most visited ancient towers by the Vietnam Records Organisation.
Four years ago the then Binh Dinh authorities approved a project for the restoration, preservation, and promotion of the Banh It Tower relic site. The project was completed at the cost of over VND25 billion (US$980,000).
The project included adding interior furnishings, displaying worship items at the Banh It Tower Temple, and installing patterned mouldings at the main hall entrance of the exhibition house. - Vietnam News/ANN
