The ancient house of Governor Nguyen Tam Kien, located at 39 Phan Chau Trinh Street, Tan Ninh Ward, was built in 1894 and still retains its original architecture. Since 2017, the project has been designated a provincial-level architectural and artistic relic and continues to attract many visitors.
Rare architectural masterpiece
The house is approximately 240 square meters and is in the style of an ancient 丁-shaped house. In the middle of the living room is the altar of the Governor. The floor is paved with hexagonal bricks, and the roof is covered with yin-yang tiles.
The outlook of Nguyen Tam Kien ancient house
The 40cm thick brick wall is bonded with lime mortar. The house has 32 wooden pillars. All pillars, rafters, walls, floors, and altars are made entirely of precious woods. The house has a central door and eight side doors, evenly distributed on both sides. When the doors are opened, it creates a spacious, airy interior. All doors are wooden and designed as folding doors.
Ancient 丁-shaped house usually do not have attics, but this house has a fairly large, airy mezzanine. The railings, stairs, and walls are all elaborately carved.
The patterns of birds, dragons, phoenixes, leaves, and branches on the doors, pillars, railings… are elaborately carved and remain original.
Next to the sets of sofas, tables, and chairs, altar cabinets, panels, and paintings, the most valuable item is the set of eight treasures (eight ancient weapons) placed opposite the altar. These weapons are even older than the house.
The set of eight treasures (eight ancient weapons).
The hundred-year-old antique lamp on the altar of the Governor.
In front of the porch is a large yard with many ornamental trees and a river running across it (Tay Ninh Canal). To the right is Quan Bridge; ahead is the majestic Ba Mountain. In the afternoon, the wind blows in strongly, and the house has a natural position, beautiful feng shui.
Over the years, the ancient house has become a cultural tourist destination. With its convenient location and beautiful scenery, the center of Tay Ninh is a popular destination for holiday visitors, who come to take pictures. The family has also welcomed many delegations of visitors to admire; students come to study and conduct research, and film crews use it as a backdrop for scenes of old life.
Source: collected by An
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