The Liễu Cốc Twin Towers site after two archaeological excavations.

The People's Committee of Hue City has assigned the Department of Culture and Sports of Hue City to prepare a report requesting permission from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for exploration and excavation in accordance with regulations. In addition, the Department of Culture and Sports of Hue City is also tasked with leading and guiding the People's Committee of Kim Tra Ward in determining the appropriate scale and area for the construction of the protective structure for the Lieu Coc Twin Towers, preparing a detailed cost estimate, and reporting it to the People's Committee of Hue City for consideration.

Previously, after completing phase 2 of the archaeological exploration and excavation of the Lieu Coc twin towers, the Hue City Department of Culture and Sports also submitted a preliminary report to the Hue City People's Committee. This exploration and excavation was carried out for more than a month, covering an area of ​​66 square meters. The results completely revealed the foundation structure of the North tower and relatively fully determined the foundation structure of the South tower. In addition, part of the structure, boundaries, and distances of the north and south walls were identified.

The archaeological team also recovered 9,380 specimens and fragments of artifacts, primarily focusing on architectural materials, architectural decorations, stelae, glazed pottery, stoneware, earthenware, and copper metal fragments.

After the excavation was completed, the experts also held a preliminary briefing, and the results were highly appreciated by experts and researchers. It can be confirmed that the Liễu Cốc Twin Towers site is an architectural complex located on a low alluvial mound on the right bank of the Bồ River.

The site is planned on a flat piece of land with two main temples in the center, surrounded by a system of walls separating the central area from the periphery, with access through a gate tower. The Lieu Coc Twin Towers is currently the only site in Vietnam with two main temples (usually there is one or three main temples).

Artifacts were found during the second phase of the Liễu Cốc Twin Towers archaeological excavation.

Based on the results of this second phase of excavation and initial assessments, the Department of Culture and Sports of Hue City proposes that the People's Committee of Hue City continue to allow archaeological excavation of the remaining area (approximately 200m2). This continued excavation aims to fully and completely identify the overall layout of the Lieu Coc temple complex.

This is the most crucial time to invest in comprehensive research on the Lieu Coc Twin Towers relic, laying the groundwork for the establishment of a unique Champa cultural space, or even a Champa cultural museum, to concentrate the artifacts and documents that Hue possesses in order to introduce and promote this unique cultural heritage, creating a highlight for tourism in Kim Tra ward in particular and the heritage city of Hue in general.

Along with continued excavation, investment should be made in constructing protective structures to safeguard the Lieu Coc Twin Towers, preventing the risk of collapse during the upcoming rainy and stormy season. Furthermore, a sustainable conservation project for the Lieu Coc Twin Towers should be developed and included in the public investment plan for the 2026-2030 period. This will ensure timely preservation and promotion of the monument's value for socio-economic development, and provide a scientific basis for upgrading the Lieu Coc Twin Towers to a special national monument as soon as possible.

NHAT MINH

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/thong-tin-van-hoa/thong-nhat-chu-truong-tiep-tuc-khai-quat-di-tich-thap-doi-lieu-coc-156228.html