Cau (Bridge) Pagoda is an iconic tourist attraction of Hoi An ancient city in the central province of Quang Nam. (Photo: VNA) Quang Nam (VNA) – The Hoi An People’s Committee in the central province of Quang Nam onDecember 28 started work to restore Cau (Bridge) Pagoda - an iconic tourist attraction of the ancient city.
The restoration work, expected to cost 20.3 billion VND (nearly 861,000 USD), includes reinforcing the foundation system, abutments, and piers;repairing the floor system, wooden frame, and roof; renovating electricalsystem, termite treatment; digitalising relics using 3D technology forarchiving and restoration work; organising seminars; making scientific records;embellishing landscape; and improving technical infrastructure and security camerasystem.
All the preparations were studied, reviewed, and agreed upon bythe Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Department of CulturalHeritage, Quang Nam provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, theprovincial Department of Construction, the UNESCO Office in Hanoi, the JapanInternational Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Japan General Administrationof Culture before they submit the dossiers on the work to competent agencies for appraisal andapproval.
The restoration work is expected to complete by the end of nextyear.
The pagoda was originally built by Japanese tradesmen in the 17th century.
It was not until 1653 that a tile-roofed structure was erected, connecting to the northern railings, protruding between the bridge, that’s why local people often call the covered bridge Chua Cau (Bridge Pagoda).
Although it is a pagoda, it is not worshipping the Buddha like other typical pagodas in Vietnam, but a spirit that protects and brings happiness to the local people.
The pagoda was renovated many times in the past./.
