King Gia Long's mother's shrine is in ruins, what does the management unit say?

The temple worshiping Mrs. Nguyen Thi Hoan, also known as Queen Hieu Khang - mother of King Gia Long, is deserted and overgrown with grass...

On July 3, Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, Director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, responded to Thanh Nien reporters' reflection that the Thoai Thanh Temple relic, the shrine of Mrs. Nguyen Thi Hoan (1736 - 1811), also known as Queen Hieu Khang, mother of King Gia Long - the first king of the Nguyen Dynasty, was dug up and left desolate.

Panoramic view of the relic of Dien Thoai Thanh

PHOTO: BINH THIEN

According to Mr. Trung, the area of the Thoai Thanh Temple was previously abandoned and encroached upon by cattle. Recently, the Hue Monuments Conservation Center cleared the trees, revealing the current state of the remaining parts of the monument.

"Currently, this relic is in the process of establishing a restoration project, but the procedures are a bit slow, not because of vandalism. We have put up protective barriers. Some of the equipment that our brothers made is still there and we are continuing to clean up. But because at this time, bushes and grass grow quickly, so it is just visible, not because it is neglected as public opinion reflects," said Mr. Trung.

Inside the monument

PHOTO: BINH THIEN

According to records in early July 2025, only the foundation remains at the Dien Thoai Thanh area. Around the foundations, weeds grow wildly, the ground is messy in many places...

The relic of Thoai Thanh Temple is located in the complex of Gia Long Tomb (Kim Long Ward, Hue City). According to historical documents, this relic was built in 1811, located in the complex of King Gia Long Tomb, on Thien Tho Mountain, Dinh Mon Village. The Thoai Thanh Temple is located in a 108 m long and 63 m wide citadel. The main hall has the same architecture as Minh Thanh Temple (where King Gia Long and his queens are worshiped).

Many structures inside the power plant have degraded and collapsed.

PHOTO: BINH THIEN

Some places inside the temple have been dug up.

PHOTO: BINH THIEN

The current state of the relic of Thoai Thanh Temple looks shabby.

PHOTO: BINH THIEN

Thoai Thanh Mausoleum and Temple is a relatively standard mausoleum architectural work, with high value in terms of architectural art and decoration.

Up to now, although Thoai Thanh tomb has been restored and renovated, Thoai Thanh temple is still in a state of disrepair and severe damage. In this temple, many structures have collapsed and weeds have grown everywhere. The main temple, where the altar of Queen Hieu Khang Nguyen Thi Hoan was placed, collapsed a long time ago, now only the foundation remains.

It is known that the Hue City government has also approved the policy of renovating and restoring the Thoai Thanh Temple relic. The project is expected to be implemented according to the medium-term public investment plan for 2026 - 2030.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dien-tho-me-vua-gia-long-hoang-tan-don-vi-quan-ly-noi-gi-185250703084633924.htm