The delegates visit Phung Tien Palace

Being over 180 years, Phung Tien Palace had been repaired many times, but it was completely destroyed in the wars. The total expense for the project of conserving and restoring the gate, screen and rockery is over 4.2 billion VND. In which, The Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Germany sponsored over 3.4 billion VND.

Attending the ceremony were Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thien, Member of Central Party Committee, Minister of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Mr. Nguyen The Hung, Head of the Department of Cultural Heritage and Mr. Christian Berger, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Vietnam, representative of the sponsor.

Phung Tien Palace is one of five important palaces/temples of the Nguyen Dynasty, it was built in the 10th year of King Minh Mang (1829). The palace was also a place allowing women in the Royal Family to take part in the sacrifices, took care of the incense burning and worshiped ancestor of the Nguyen Dynasty every day. There are 5 main works of the palace including the Central Chamber, Đông Tây Phối Điên (Eastern – Western Palace) and Tả Hữu Tòng Viên (Left and Right Palace). The palace entrance is stood out with sophisticated architecture systems such as the gate, screen and rockery, etc.

The project of conserving and restoring the gate, screen and rockery of Phung Tien Palace is implemented in 13 months. The project also achieves two important purposes which are developing and applying new methods to preserve and restore the original copy by using original techniques in building color grout and fresco painting; at the same time, building capacity for the work of sustainably conserving Vietnam heritage works for 8 project members. 

The Ambassador and Minister Nguyen Ngoc Thien give flowers and certificates for members trained in the project

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Dung, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, highly appreciated this event. Its significance was expressed in the continuousness as well as the high efficiency in the work of conserving and restoring the exteriors of the complex of Hue monuments; at the same time, it also affirmed the good traditional cooperation between Vietnam and Federal Republic of Germany in general and between Thua Thien Hue province and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in particular. He stressed: “I appreciate and highly respect the deep consideration of the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Germany, especially Mr. Christian Berge – Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Vietnam, as well as the meaningful contributions to the work of conserving and restoring exteriors and interiors of historical monuments of Hue Ancient Capital for over 15 years.”

Ambassador Christian Berger also expressed his love for Hue city an affirmed that the two purposes were achieved successfully. The Ambassador said: “The Department of Cultural Heritage and Hue Monuments Conservation Center are two excellent and reliable partners. We decide to continue to support Vietnam implementing cultural heritage conservation, wishing to create favorable conditions for those who care about this to be able to approach basic and intensive training activities in the field of relic conservation”.

Story, photos:  Dong Van

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