Description of the attraction
Tran Quoc Pagoda is an object of national cultural heritage of Vietnam, as the oldest one, associated with many legends of Hanoi and its entire history. Originally, in the middle of the 6th century, it was built on the banks of the main artery of northern Vietnam, the Red River. At the beginning of the 17th century, due to the constant threats of flooding during the flooding of the river, it was moved to a small island, more likely even the West Lake Peninsula. There it was installed on the foundations left over from the palace of the Li dynasty.
In the 17th - 18th centuries, the pagoda was restored, restored, expanded, while carefully preserving ancient statues, steles, etc. On one of the 17th century steles, the entire history of the pagoda is carved. Another 14 steles are dedicated to learned men who have reached a very high spiritual degree - tienshi. The main value is considered to be a gilded statue of Buddha made of precious wood.
Today, in the garden of the pagoda, there is a 15-meter stupa of 11 tiers. Each tier has six vaulted windows, all of which contain stone statues of the Buddha made of valuable rocks, from large ones below to small statues above - a total of 66 sculptures. The top of the tower in the shape of a traditional lotus was made of the same rocks.
In the picturesque pagoda garden, there is a huge pot in which a bodhi tree grows. Legend has it that it was grown from the cutting of a sacred tree, under which Buddha attained enlightenment. The ancient pagoda is surrounded by many other legends and traditions - as an integral part of the centuries-old history of Hanoi. In addition, this is just a beautiful place where you can relax and admire the scenery of the largest freshwater lake in the city.
