National monuments in disrepair
According to the investigation of Lao Dong Newspaper reporters, currently, in Ho Chi Minh City there are 58 national relics; 2 special national relics are Independence Palace and Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Relic. Some relics in Ho Chi Minh City are degraded, no longer intact and need to be restored and reconstructed.
The national relic site of Le Thanh Hau Truong Tan Buu's tomb (ranked as a national architectural and artistic relic in December 2004) is about 200 years old. This is a typical architecture for the tombs of generals and mandarins in the early Nguyen Dynasty. The outside of Le Thanh Hau Truong Tan Buu's tomb has been newly painted. According to the reporter's investigation, the relic has only been painted on the outside, such as the gate and walkways... The degraded part of the tomb has not been restored; some bricks have fallen out and are no longer intact.
Hung Loi Pottery Kiln - recognized as a National Archaeological Site in April 1998 is also in an alarming state. According to the reporter's records in early December 2024, this relic site is currently an empty lot, overgrown with grass. Mr. Trung Phuong, residing in Ward 16, District 8, said that when he moved here for a year, he saw this relic site become an empty lot.
Reporters learned that currently, this relic site has only built a protection item, starting on September 16, 2024, and completing on November 17, 2024. Mr. Hoai Tam - in charge of the construction project of the protection item of the Hung Loi pottery kiln relic said that this item has now been completed and he is no longer in charge of the project, so he is not sure about the restoration.
of great historical and cultural significance, national monuments that need to be preserved
National monuments contribute to promoting the culture and history of a country or city, are invaluable assets, and are attractive tourism resources that have attracted a large number of international visitors over the years. Conservation and restoration not only bring historical, cultural and social values but also bring beauty to the city.
According to Dr. Tung Hieu, a cultural researcher, each national relic contains its own historical values. It is necessary to preserve and protect these relics so that they are not forgotten and lost in a modern urban space. That is, we need to preserve them in all aspects. That is, we need to make the relics continue to live their lives and bring material and spiritual benefits to the people.
Besides the national relics that are being degraded, in Ho Chi Minh City, there are still many other relics, according to the reporter's records, such as Giac Lam Pagoda, the tomb of Duke Vo Di Nguy... that have been beautifully restored and renovated.
The Mausoleum of Duke Vo Di Nguy was ranked as a National Architectural and Artistic Relic according to Decision No. 43-VH/QD dated January 7, 1993, and is being preserved quite carefully. The staff of this relic site said that every 5-6 months, the gate, corridors, etc. are repainted to increase the aesthetics. However, the management board is not currently intervening in repairing or repainting the Duke's tomb because the tomb is still quite intact, not damaged, and ensures the historical value of the relic.
Giac Lam Pagoda - one of the oldest pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City located on Lac Long Quan Street (Tan Binh District), was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic in November 1988. This relic site is still intact, only some small areas such as corridors and walls are cracked and slightly damaged.
Phung Son Pagoda (also known as Go Pagoda, located in Ward 2, District 11) was also ranked as a National Historical - Cultural Relic in November 1988. It has undergone many restorations, but still retains its appearance with unique Southern architecture...
Dr. Tung Hieu, a cultural researcher, analyzed that national historical relics cannot be considered as ordinary material things. We cannot easily reduce them to inanimate bricks and stones. Because each historical relic is a witness to history. Historical relics are both a source of pride and a historical lesson for us to look back on the past...
