After a long period of being forgotten, the tomb of Duke Nguyen Huu Hao - the father of Empress Nam Phuong, is becoming an attractive tourist destination in Da Lat.
The project is located on a hill of about 4ha, near Cam Ly waterfall, facing Lang Biang mountain, with a contemplative beauty amidst nature.
The tomb impresses with the harmonious combination of Hue royal architecture and Western style, creating a rare unique feature in the mountain and forest space. On top of the tomb is placed a cross, a detail showing the Catholic faith of the Duke, while creating a clear intersection of Asia - Europe.
Duke Nguyen Huu Hao was originally from Go Cong (now Dong Thap), a wealthy landowner in the early 20th century, owning many large plantations in the South and Central Highlands. In 1934, his daughter - Nguyen Huu Thi Lan married King Bao Dai, becoming Empress Nam Phuong.
In 1937, King Bao Dai conferred on him the title of Long My Quan Cong. After his death in the same year, the location for building the tomb was chosen on a pine hill southwest of Da Lat city center, opposite Cam Ly waterfall.
The project was built in the period 1937 - 1941 with a large scale, balanced and majestic layout. The soft curved roof evokes the shape of a blooming lotus, both elegant and retaining the solemnity of spiritual architecture.
The entrance to the tomb is "Nhat Chinh Dao" including 158 steps, moderately steep, convenient to move. Along the way, every 9 - 13 steps there is a resting mat, creating a gentle rhythm when entering the central area. On both sides are green pine forests, bringing a feeling of tranquility and relaxation.
To reach the burial area, visitors go through the altar, continue 13 steps up to the courtyard, and then complete the last 20 steps. The main mausoleum includes 2 tombs of Duke Nguyen Huu Hao and his wife Le Thi Binh, carved from monolithic blue stone, placed parallel, about 30cm higher than the ground. The sophisticated carved patterns show the nobility of the family.
In the campus, there are also 2 stone steles engraved with Chinese characters recording the merits and origins of Quan Cong. One stele is placed behind the 4-roof stele house, the other stele is erected in front of the courtyard. In front of the main mausoleum are 2 stone lion statues, contributing to increasing the majesty.
The space here is imbued with Eastern colors, the architectural details are meticulously cared for but still harmonious with the natural landscape. The overall structure is both elegant and retains the solemnity of an ancient mausoleum.
According to many tourists, the tomb not only has historical value but is also attractive because of its unique architecture and peaceful space in the pine forest. This is considered a worthwhile stopover when coming to Da Lat.
After many years and historical upheavals, some items of the mausoleum have deteriorated, even undergoing damage. Currently, this relic is being managed and protected by functional agencies of Lam Dong province.
