In the early days of June, hot weather caused the outdoor temperature in Ninh Binh to continuously be high, and the Kenh village bridge in Co Le commune became a familiar destination for many local people to rest and cool off.
According to reporters of Lao Dong Newspaper, from early morning to late afternoon, the over 700-year-old bridge is always crowded with people passing by. The bridge is designed in the style of "thượng gia, hạ kiều" (above is a house, below is a bridge). The bridge deck is covered with leaves, covering the entire bridge deck, so it minimizes direct sunlight shining into the inner space. Inside the bridge is shady, receiving wind from the Hai Ninh River blowing through, so the temperature is much more pleasant than outside.
Many elderly people in the village brought fans and teacups to sit and chat. Children gathered to play after school, while some people took advantage of resting after working hours in the hot weather.
Mr. Nguyen Xuan Sao (90 years old, residing in Co Le commune) said that the Kenh village roof bridge has long been a familiar community activity place for local people.
On hot sunny days like this, sitting under the bridge is very cool. Since I was little, I have followed my grandparents here to play, and still maintain the habit of going to the bridge every afternoon to sit and drink water, and chat with people in the neighborhood. The bridge is not only a place to travel but also associated with many memories of the people of Kenh village," Mr. Sao shared.
According to the elderly in the village, the Kenh village roof bridge dates back to the Ly Dynasty, spanning the Hai Ninh River. The bridge consists of 5 compartments, about 10m long, 4m wide and about 3m high from the floor to the roof. Long wooden platforms are arranged on both sides of the bridge for people to sit and rest and cool off.
Over hundreds of years, the bridge still retains many ancient architectural features with a system of wooden columns and beams and a traditional leaf roof.
Not only local people, but many tourists when visiting Co Le Pagoda also stop here to learn about history and enjoy the peaceful space of the Northern countryside.
Ms. Bui Thi Ngoc Anh (a tourist from Hanoi) said: "I was quite surprised to see an ancient bridge still preserved almost intact after hundreds of years. The space inside the bridge is very airy, creating a feeling of relaxation. This is an interesting check-in point and also a place to help tourists understand more about the traditional culture of the locality.
Amidst the modern pace of life, the Kenh village roof bridge is not only a unique ancient architectural work but also a community living space, a place to preserve memories and become a familiar hot spot for people every summer.
