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

Nestled amidst lush green fields, Binh Lam Tower is considered the oldest Cham tower in Gia Lai, preserving unique cultural, religious, and historical values.

Located approximately 22 km north of the provincial capital, 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 cylindrical shape, with each side measuring approximately 11.5 meters, reaching a height of nearly 20 meters and divided into four tiers that rise straight up into the sky.

Against a backdrop of red fired bricks, the harmonious decorative details, both delicate and robust, create a balanced and ancient appearance. Amidst the lush green rice fields, the structure stands out even more, appearing both familiar and majestic.

The tower is a square cylinder, 20 meters high, and divided into four levels.

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

The Binh Lam Tower not only possesses architectural value but also bears the imprint of many historical events. Before the official capital of Champa was built in Do Ban citadel, Binh Lam citadel served as a temporary center of the kingdom. Through countless upheavals, the tower still stands tall as a historical witness, reminding us of the glorious past of the Champa people.

Each false archway of the Binh Lam tower is a vibrant work of art.

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

Architecturally, Binh Lam Tower stands out with its tight and sophisticated layout. The main entrance faces east, while the three false entrances face west, south, and north. The unique feature of Binh Lam Tower is the arched roofs of these false entrances. Each arch is a vibrant work of art that Cham artisans have bequeathed to posterity.

The false archway is designed in the shape of a soaring spearhead, creating a sense of majesty. Meanwhile, the continuous, undulating beaded pattern from base to top of the tower provides a sense of softness and seamlessness. The decorative motifs on each level and the sculpted images of the tower-shaped castle are repeated and scaled down in the form of the false archway, creating a perfectly symmetrical effect.

The false archway is designed in the shape of a soaring spearhead, creating a sense of grandeur.

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

The tower's roof consists of four tiers that gradually decrease in size towards the top, each tier resembling a miniature version of the main tower. The roof tiers are decorated with stylized lotus petal motifs, creating a sense of softness amidst the overall solid structure. Although some details at the four corners have been damaged, traces of the sculptural artistry remain clearly visible, including the Garuda relief on the western face, a symbol of strength and protection in Cham culture.

Another distinctive feature of Binh Lam Tower is its surrounding pilasters. Unlike many Cham towers covered in elaborate patterns, the pilasters here have a simple appearance, emphasizing the solidity and balance of the structure.

The pilasters at Binh Lam have a simple appearance, emphasizing the solidity and balance of the structure.

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

Over a thousand years have passed, yet Binh Lam Tower still retains the soul of its original architecture. Despite the ravages of time, the structure remains majestic and ancient, evoking a feeling of both familiarity and mystery in visitors. It is this harmonious blend of architecture, nature, and history that creates the unique allure of Binh Lam Tower.

Due to the ravages of time, Binh Lam Tower has suffered some damage. However, many years ago, the cultural sector undertook the restoration of the tower's base. Currently, some sections of ancient bricks that have not been restored have weathered away.

Over time, this Cham tower has also shown some signs of damage.

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

In 1993, Binh Lam Tower was recognized as a national historical, cultural, and architectural monument. It is not only a source of pride for the local people but also a valuable destination for tourists to explore . Standing before Binh Lam Tower, one can admire not only a unique Cham architectural masterpiece but also feel the flow of history...

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

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

Today, Binh Lam Tower still stands majestically in the middle of the field, a living testament to the art and history of Gia Lai province. The structure not only enriches Vietnam's cultural heritage but also inspires appreciation and a sense of preservation for the past in present generations.

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