The tomb area of Queen Nghi Thiên Chương, also known as the Xương Thọ tomb, is part of the tomb complex of Emperor Thiệu Trị, serving as the eternal resting place of Empress Từ Dũ (or Từ Dụ, born Phạm Thị Hằng). She was the eldest daughter of Phạm Đăng Hưng, the Duke of Đức Quốc, from Giồng Sơn Quy, Tân Niên Đông hamlet, Kiến Hòa district, Định Tường province (now Long Hưng commune, Gò Công town, Tiền Giang province). She was originally the Queen Consort of Emperor Thiệu Trị and the birth mother of Emperor Tự Đức.
The tomb of Queen Nghi Thiên Chương, built in the early 20th century, is situated within the overall landscape of Emperor Thiệu Trị's tomb complex, following the traditional architectural layout of "inner and outer compartments." This architectural style is typical of the Nguyen Lords' era. Despite over 100 years of existence, the tomb of Queen Nghi Thiên Chương Từ Dũ remains relatively intact on the whole. However, historical influences and adverse natural environmental conditions such as heat, humidity, and heavy rain have significantly impacted the integrity of the heritage site.
Mr. Hoàng Việt Trung, Director of the Monuments Conservation Center, reiterated his remarks at the inauguration ceremony of the Conservation and Restoration Project of the Tomb of Nghi Thiên Chương Empress Từ Dũ.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Hoàng Việt Trung, Director of the Center for Conservation of Hue Imperial Citadel Heritage, expressed gratitude for the support and contributions from governmental agencies, researchers, and individuals who have a special affection for Hue, particularly the family of Huỳnh Văn Mạnh and Phạm Đăng Tuý Hoa (representing the Phạm Đăng family). They sponsored the project through the Hue Heritage Conservation Fund established by the government under Decree 84/2022/NĐ-CP dated October 20, 2022, with a total amount of 6,885,168,000 VND and 49 La Han pine trees. This contribution from the Phạm Đăng family is a significant collaboration with the state in preserving, conserving, and promoting the cultural heritage values of the Hue Imperial Citadel Heritage Complex.
The project included the planting of 49 pine trees within the precincts of the tomb area.
Commencing on June 13, 2023, the construction was executed with great care to avoid impacting the original elements of the heritage site. As of now, the project has been completed, encompassing various components such as the main stele, the Tan Nguyet Lake and drainage system, the courtyard and front steps of the tomb, the natural courtyard, the gate, the outer wall, and inner wall. The site has been dignified to reflect the contributions of Queen Từ Dũ to the nation's history.
Deputy Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee of Thua Thien Hue province, Nguyen Thanh Binh, presented a Certificate of Merit to the family sponsoring the project at the inauguration ceremony.
The completion of the project plays a significant role in enhancing the overall architectural, landscape, and cultural aspects of King Thieu Tri's tomb, deserving recognition as a precious cultural heritage of humanity recognized by UNESCO. This provides tourists with an even more attractive destination, gradually increasing the value of tourism exploitation and contributing to the socio-economic development goals, aligning with the direction of building and developing Thua Thien Hue province into a centrally-run city based on the foundation of "Preserving and promoting the values of the ancient capital's heritage and cultural identity of Hue, with cultural, heritage, ecological, landscape, environmental-friendly, and smart characteristics" as stated in Resolution 54-NQ/TW dated December 10, 2019, by the Politburo on building and developing Thua Thien Hue province until 2030, with a vision to 2045.
Representatives of the provincial leadership, city leadership, Department of Tourism, Center for Conservation of Hue Imperial City, cultural researchers of Hue, and relevant individuals attended and took photos after the program.
In the coming time, we will compile documentation for the classification of historical-cultural relics according to Decision No. 1507/QD-UBND dated June 26, 2023, of the Provincial People's Committee approving the Outline of the Project to Study, Compile Scientific Dossiers Proposing the Classification of Historical-Cultural Relics and Scenic Spots in Thua Thien Hue Province by 2030, with a vision toward 2045 to honor the contributions of Queen Tu Du, one of the most famous queens known for her efforts in nurturing and leaving valuable lessons in child rearing. - Mr. Hoang Viet Trung shared further.
