According to archaeological records, the Chót Mạt tower was built around the 7th-8th centuries AD. The tower was discovered in the early 20th century and quickly attracted the attention of researchers due to its unique architectural value and surviving artifacts. Through several excavations at the site, archaeologists have found traces of two brick towers located on a north-south axis.
The ancient Chót Mạt tower (the southern tower) has undergone several restorations and renovations.
The southern tower area was once severely damaged and was restored based on the 1993 monument records: the tower was built on a raised, flat ground, with a square base, the top of the tower is over 10m high, the tower walls face four directions: East - West - South - North, the main entrance faces East, and the other three sides are false entrances.
Approaching the tower, visitors can easily recognize the unique designs showcasing the skillful craftsmanship of the ancients. The steps leading from the main entrance to the interior are built in raised, layered stages, giving the structure sharp, angular lines. On the tower's body, the bas-relief carvings and decorative stone sculptures, although many parts have been eroded by time and some have been displaced, still evoke the exquisite beauty and spirit of the Oc Eo civilization.
The contrasting colors—the mossy, somber hues versus the fresh, dazzling brightness—do not detract from the sturdy, elegant appearance of the ancient Chót Mạt tower; instead, they make it even more ancient and mysterious.
The northern tower area is now just ruins. On the surface of the site, many Yoni stone artifacts, Yoni pedestals, and other stone fragments were found scattered and discovered in the excavation pit in the north. These artifacts not only confirm that this was once an important religious center of a once-glorious empire but also contribute to a clearer reconstruction of the cultural and religious life of the ancient communities that once lived in the Tay Ninh region.
A nearly perfectly restored bas-relief is found on the tower.
The outstanding value of Chót Mạt Tower was recognized by the State when the Ministry of Culture and Information (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) classified it as a national architectural and artistic monument on July 23, 1993. Having been exposed to rain and sun for a long time, the tower inevitably deteriorated.
Recognizing the increasing risk of damage, Tay Ninh province has implemented numerous restoration and preservation projects with the goal of sustainably protecting the heritage site, while also creating conditions for the development of tourism linked to historical and cultural education .
In 2023, implementing the National Target Program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority areas - the Project on Preserving and promoting the valuable traditional cultural values of historical relics associated with tourism development, with the goal of preventing the degradation of the Chót Mạt tower relic, the Provincial People's Committee agreed on a number of contents for the restoration and renovation of the tower.
The project to restore the ancient tower was implemented with a total budget of over 1.1 billion VND. Accordingly, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism upgraded and repaired the tower's shelter, guardhouse, and restrooms; built a new drainage system around the tower and fence; replaced broken paving slabs; and reinforced the gate and fence that had sunk or shifted with concrete.
In addition, the electrical and water systems serving staff and guests have been upgraded, ensuring safety and convenience.
Many Yoni stone artifacts and Yoni pedestals are scattered throughout the ancient tower complex.
These positive changes have made the site look more spacious and beautiful. In recent years, thanks to the upgraded access road and increased emphasis on promotion, the number of visitors to Chot Mat Tower has tended to increase sharply. Not only local people, but also many tourists from neighboring provinces, overseas Vietnamese, and foreigners come to admire this unique ancient architectural structure.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Vui and Mr. Duong Quang Tuan, overseas Vietnamese returning from the US to visit their homeland, shared that they learned about the tower through relatives and were surprised by its ancient beauty, serene atmosphere, and sacredness. For them, witnessing a monument over a thousand years old right in their homeland was a very special experience.
The Chót Mạt Tower also attracts international tourists. Malte and Jo, two German tourists working in Ho Chi Minh City, chose it as their first stop on their 4-day trip to explore Tay Ninh. Both were impressed by the peaceful scenery and ancient beauty bearing the marks of time. They shared that this was their first time seeing such an ancient architectural structure, and the feeling of standing amidst the tranquil space of the tower left them with many unforgettable emotions.
The collapsed northern section of the tower is preserved under a roof.
Along with the interest of tourists, the staff responsible for maintaining and protecting the monument also contribute to keeping the area clean and beautiful. Ms. Nguyen Kim Anh, who has been in charge of landscape cleaning for the past 6 years, said that on sunny days or weekends, many local people bring their children and grandchildren here to stroll around. The space around the tower provides a sense of peace, a place where people can find tranquility after a day of work.
Bearing the imprint of more than a millennium, the ancient Chót Mạt Tower is not only a precious heritage of Tây Ninh but also a vivid testament to the cultural exchange in Southern Vietnam.
Preserving and promoting the value of the relic not only helps to safeguard the memory of our ancestors but also opens up the potential for developing cultural and historical tourism in the border region. In the flow of modernity, the ancient tower still stands there, humble yet majestic, telling the story of an ancient civilization, inviting visitors from near and far to listen and feel.
Khai Tuong
Source: https://baolongan.vn/thap-co-chot-mat-dau-an-nen-van-hoa-oc-eo-a207500.html
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