My Son Sanctuary – World Cultural Heritage in the Heart of Quang Nam

1. General introduction to My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary, located about 70 km southwest of Da Nang city, in Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province, is one of the most important historical and cultural relics in Vietnam. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 1999, My Son was once the religious and political center of the Champa Kingdom, and to this day remains a vivid testament to the long history of the Cham people.

2. History and Architecture of My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary was built from the 4th to the 14th century under the reign of the Champa kings, and is considered a place of worship for Hindu gods, especially the god Shiva. My Son consists of more than 70 architectural works with towers and temples, built mainly of baked bricks and sandstone.

The towers in the My Son complex usually have a main structure of a tall central tower (Kalan), where the gods are worshiped, and are surrounded by smaller towers and auxiliary structures. The special feature of Champa architecture in My Son is the unique construction technique with tightly fitted brick blocks without the use of adhesives, as well as the sophisticated carvings bearing the mark of Indian culture.

3. Explore My Son Sanctuary

Visitors to My Son will be immersed in an ancient, quiet space amidst lush green mountains and forests. One of the highlights here is the majestic temple towers, with unique architecture and sophisticated carvings. Each temple tower carries its own story about the history, religion and culture of the Champa people.

In addition to exploring the architecture, visitors also have the opportunity to participate in traditional Cham art performances, with unique dances and music, providing a deeper insight into the rich culture of this nation.

4. Cultural and historical values ​​of My Son Sanctuary

My Son is not only a historical relic site, but also a symbol of the brilliant Champa civilization that once existed and developed strongly in Vietnam. This place preserves many cultural, artistic, religious values ​​and unique construction techniques, contributing significantly to the study and better understanding of the history of the Southeast Asian region.

My Son Sanctuary is also a testament to the cultural exchange between ethnic groups and religions in the past, thereby demonstrating the diversity and richness of Vietnam’s cultural heritage.

5. Conclusion

My Son Sanctuary is a destination not to be missed for those who love history, culture and architecture. With its ancient, mysterious beauty and profound cultural and historical values, My Son is not only the pride of the people of Quang Nam but also a priceless heritage of all mankind. The journey to My Son is not only a trip to explore a cultural heritage, but also a journey back to the roots, to the historical pages that have contributed to forming the identity of Vietnam.