Co Le Pagoda receives Certificate of Special National Monument ranking

Co Le Pagoda (also known as Than Quang Tu) was built during the Ly Dynasty (12th century) by Saint Nguyen Minh Khong. This is one of the famous landmarks in Vietnam.

Permanent Deputy Minister Le Hai Binh (2nd from left) presented the National Special Monument ranking certificate to representatives of the Party Committee, government, monks, nuns, and Buddhists of Co Le Pagoda.

In the early 20th century, Venerable Thich Quang Tuyen, together with the people and followers, rebuilt the pagoda in the style of "Zen gate on the basis of national culture, Eastern culture combined with Western culture" including the "nine-grade lotus" tower.

With those typical values, in 1988, Co Le Pagoda was ranked as a National Architectural and Artistic Monument by the Ministry of Culture (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism ). On September 11, 2025, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 1959/QD-TTg on ranking Co Le Pagoda as a special National Monument.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Tran Song Tung - Vice Chairman of Ninh Binh Provincial People's Committee said: " Co Le Pagoda is one of the 10 special National Monuments in Ninh Binh province. Through many historical ups and downs, the pagoda still retains its majestic and ancient features, and is a symbol of faith, compassion and goodwill.

Co Le Pagoda is not only a center of religious activities but also a "red address" of the revolution that has left its mark with 27 monks taking off their cassocks and wearing military uniforms to go to battle, a testament to the patriotic tradition that has been preserved and spread throughout the nation's history. The annual Co Le Pagoda Festival is a unique spiritual and cultural feature that demonstrates the spirit of solidarity, pride and attachment of the community to the nation's cultural roots.

The ceremony and awarding of the National Special Monument ranking certificate and the opening of the traditional festival of Co Le Pagoda attracted a large number of local people.

According to Mr. Tran Song Tung, the fact that Co Le Pagoda was recognized by the Prime Minister as a special National Monument is a great honor and a source of deep pride for the Party Committee, government and people of Ninh Binh province in general and the Party Committee and government of Co Le commune in particular.

This is not only a recognition of historical, cultural and architectural values but also demonstrates the spirit of preserving, maintaining and promoting national culture.

On behalf of the People's Committee of Ninh Binh province, Mr. Tran Song Tung expressed his thanks to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for their attention and direction, as well as the Central leaders, the coordination and support of professional agencies over the past time.

" In the coming time, Ninh Binh province will continue to closely coordinate with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, professional agencies, scientists and local people to contribute to preserving and promoting the value of Co Le Pagoda in a sustainable manner. We aim to both preserve and develop tourism and spiritual culture to contribute to promoting local socio-economic development," Mr. Tran Song Tung affirmed.