Thuy Phieu is one of the oldest communal houses in Vietnam.
Located in Thuy An village (Ba Vi, Hanoi, Vietnam), Thuy Phieu communal house worships the Saint of the mountain – the saint of many other villages in Xu Doai (Son Tay, Hanoi, Vietnam). Evidence is found on the Front main pillar on the left of the central compartment carved 3 sentences in demotic script (Chu Nom) showing the year it was built (1531).
Despite going under many major or minor restoration and maintenance, Thuy Phieu communal house could still have its decorative carving images and architecture remained. There are 3 noticeable milestones: The 1st is from 1531 to 1532 when it was built. It is demonstrably shown by the architecture of the place; a single grand building in the shape of number One in Chinese ( ) with a low and spread-out roof that contributes two thirds of the height of this house, creating a strong and firm appearance. These are some typical architectural features of the Mac dynasty and earlier.
Through many milestones, the architecture of Thuy Phieu Communal House remains its original form and structure. Although it has a modest stance among other communal houses in Vietnam, it is so far the oldest one to be known.
Photo
Trieu Chien
Location
Thuy Phieu village, Ba Vi district
Hanoi, Vietnam
