Bac Ninh (VNA) – Work to restore Cao Lo Vuong Temple in the northern Bac Ninh province has been officially launched.
The project involves the restoration and embellishment of the Cao Lo Vuong cultural and historical relic. The 42-billion-VND (2 million USD) project is divided into three contract packages.
Launched on January 25, with nearly 27 billion VND (1.3 million USD) provided by Bac Ninh's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the first contract package is managed by the Duy Linh Restoration and Construction Joint Stock Company.
During the restoration work, the original structure of the temple will be preserved, while the damaged sections will be replaced by using new materials such as iron wood. Some sections will be rebuilt, such as the place for votive paper burning, sanitary area, department for temple janitor and the kitchen.
According to Tran Quang Nam, the director of the local Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Cao Lo Vuong Temple and tomb is a typical relic with high historical and cultural values.
The relic is also proof of Vietnam's tradition of paying tribute to ancestors, which contributes to reinforcing national solidarity.
Legend says Cao Lo, a Vietnamese weaponry engineer and minister under King An Duong Vuong from 257 to 207BC, was born in Cao Duc commune in Bac Ninh. He is credited with building the Co Loa ramparts and helping the king to build a crossbow, which he christened "Saintly Crossbow of the Supernaturally Golden Claw", to fight northern invaders.
To pay tribute to the talented general, the local people constructed his temple and tomb in Cao Duc commune in Bac Ninh.
The temple has been restored a couple of times, but its original structure and designs have been preserved.
It was recognised as a national cultural and historical relic on March 8, 2006.-VNA
