Admire the thousand-year-old Cham tower, the oldest in Gia Lai

Located in the middle of green fields, Binh Lam tower is considered the oldest Cham tower in Gia Lai, preserving special cultural, religious and historical values.

About 22 km north of the provincial center, there is an ancient Cham tower in Binh Lam village, Tuy Phuoc Dong commune, Gia Lai province (formerly Tuy Phuoc district, Binh Dinh province). The tower is called Binh Lam.

Built in the late 10th century, Binh Lam is considered the oldest Cham tower in Gia Lai.

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

Unlike many Cham towers that are usually built on high hills, Binh Lam is located in the middle of a flat field. The tower has a square cylinder shape, each side is about 11.5 m wide, nearly 20 m high and divided into 4 floors reaching straight up to the sky.

On the red brick background, the decorative details are harmonious, both delicate and strong, creating a balanced and ancient appearance. In the middle of the green rice fields, the project becomes even more prominent, both intimate and majestic.

The tower is 20 m high and has 4 floors.

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

Binh Lam Tower not only has architectural value but also bears the mark of many historical events. Before the official capital of Champa was built in Do Ban citadel, Binh Lam citadel was the temporary center of the dynasty. Through many changes, the tower still stands tall as a historical witness, reminding of the glorious past of the Cham people.

Each false door arch of Binh Lam tower is a vivid work of art.

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

In terms of architecture, Binh Lam tower stands out with its tight and sophisticated layout. The main door opens to the east, three fake doors facing west, south and north. The uniqueness of Binh Lam tower is the fake door arches. Each arch is a vivid work of art that Cham artisans have left for posterity.

The false door arch is designed in the shape of a high spearhead, creating a sense of majesty. Meanwhile, the system of continuous beaded patterns from the foot to the top of the tower brings softness and continuity. The decorative motifs on each floor and the sculpture of the tower-shaped castle are repeated and scaled down in the form of false doors that are very symmetrical to each other.

The false arch is designed in the shape of a high spearhead, creating a sense of majesty.

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

The roof of the tower consists of 4 floors that gradually shrink towards the top, each floor is like a version of the main tower. The roof floors are decorated with stylized lotus petal patterns, creating a soft feeling among the solid overall. Although some details in the 4 corners have been damaged, the sculptural traces are still clearly present, including the Garuda bird relief on the west side, a symbol of strength and protection in Cham culture.

Another feature of Binh Lam tower is the surrounding column system. Unlike many Cham towers covered with elaborate patterns, the columns here are simple, emphasizing the solidity and balance of the structure.

The columns in Binh Lam have a simple appearance, emphasizing the solidity and balance of the building.

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

Over a thousand years have passed, Binh Lam Tower still retains the spirit of its original architecture. Although the traces of time have eroded, the structure still appears majestic and ancient, giving visitors a feeling of both closeness and mystery. It is the harmony between architectural elements, nature and history that creates a special attraction for Binh Lam Tower.

Over time, Binh Lam tower has suffered some damage. However, many years ago, the cultural sector restored the base of the tower. Currently, some of the ancient bricks that have not been restored have weathered.

Under the erosion of time, this Cham tower has also shown some damage.

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

In 1993, Binh Lam Tower was recognized as a national historical, cultural, architectural and artistic relic. This is not only the pride of the local people but also a valuable destination for tourists . Standing in front of Binh Lam Tower, people not only admire a unique Cham architectural work, but also feel the flow of history...

Binh Lam Tower was recognized as a national historical, cultural and architectural relic in 1993.

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

Today, Binh Lam Tower still stands majestically in the middle of the field, as a living testament to the art and history of Gia Lai. The work not only contributes to enriching the cultural heritage of Vietnam but also arouses the respect and awareness of preserving the past of today's generations.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ngam-thap-cham-ngan-nam-tuoi-co-nhat-o-gia-lai-185250908144405479.htm