A 200-year-old pagoda in District 11 is getting a long-overdue makeover after Ho Chi Minh City authorities recently greenlit a renovation project.
Giac Vien Pagoda, located at 161/35/20 Lac Long Quan Street, was originally built in 1799. Throughout the nineteenth century, the pagoda was the primary Buddhist center for six southern provinces. It is believed that Emperor Gia Long of the Nguyen Dynasty worshiped there. The project is expected to cost the city US$2.2 million, according to Tuoi Tre.
Giac Vien Pagoda previously underwent two major restorations in 1899 and 1910. In November 1993, it was recognized as a national architectural heritage site. The new restoration started last Thursday is expected to finish next year.
The pagoda features 150 ancient statues and numerous valuable Buddhist inscriptions. Its collection of antiques includes many significant aritfacts showcasing Vietnamese wood-carving arts in the 19th and 20th centuries.
[Photo via Thanh Nien]
