Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Acommunal house on the western outskirts of Hanoi is in serious need forpreservation to protect its history and architecture, Deputy Minister of Culture,Sports and Tourism Trinh Thi Thuy has said.

Thuy was speaking at a ceremonyhosted by Bac Tu Liem district to name Chem Communal House a Special NationalRelic Site.

“With its unique layout andhistory, the architecture cannot be found in other communal houses and templesin the region,” she added.

The Chem Communal House was builtaround 1,200 years ago, making it one of the oldest buildings in Vietnam.

The house is dedicated to Thuong DangThien Vuong Ly Ong Trong who served under King Hung Due Vuong (the last branchof the Hong Bang dynasty - 408to 258 BC), and An Duong Vuong, who ruled over the kingdom of Au Lac (now Vietnam)from 257 to 207 BC.

The communal house has been a spiritual meeting place overthe centuries on the banks of the Hong (Red) River, and residents of Thuy Phuongcommune now worship there.

According to Do Manh Tuan, Chairmanof the district People’s Committee, there are 135 relic sites in the area. “Chem Communal House has the most notable architecture and carvings,” he said.

“It features the most delicatecarving skills within its design,” commented researcher Nguyen Thanh Vu fromthe ministry. “The communal house has been a valuable source for anyone whowants to study the history, culture and customs of the ancient land to the westof Thang Long Citadel.”

The house is still home to 16books written in the Han Chinese script, three royal decrees issued by Nguyenkings, four ancient stone steles, 10 statues, dozens of horizontal lacqueredboards and parallel sentences, two bronze bells and other valuable objects.

There is also an incense burnerthat dates back thousands of years and bronze rain gutters made during King LeHien Tong’s reign (1740-1786).

“I’ve instructed authorities todraft a plan to preserve the house,” said Thuy. “The management board needs toinstall a fence around the site prevent neighbours from encroaching on it. Italso needs to protect the ancient objects housed at the site and use financialcontributions from individuals and agencies to repair the house,” she added.

The Chem Communal Housefestival is among the most ancient customs in the capital, and is held inmiddle of the 5th lunar month.

The festival attracts variousbeliefs including Taoism, Buddhism and Mother Goddess.

“The festival should be managedby the local community, and local authorities should ensure security and safetyfor the event,” Thuy said.-VNS/VNA