Together with Thieu Phuong, Ngu Vien, Hau Ho gardens, and Truong Ninh Palace, Co Ha Garden is one of the well-known royal gardens of Hue Ancient Capital in the Nguyen Dynasty.
As recorded, this garden was built in 1837, under the reign of Emperor Minh Mang, then it was upgraded, supplemented, and restored many times under the reigns of Emperor Thieu Tri and Emperor Tu Duc. The name of Co Ha is taken from the word Van Co Thanh Ha, which means “the peace in a myriad of worries”. During its heyday, Co Ha Garden had a rich system of architectural works with the temple, communal house, palace, lobby, etc.… However, due to the time and war, Co Ha Garden has become dilapidated and devastated; many works have lost its traces. In the effort to preserve Hue Complex of Monuments, Co Ha Garden is being revived step by step.
Through the photos taken by the photographer Nguyen Phong, Thua Thien Hue Weekly would like to invite you to visit Co Ha Garden with the left-over traces. Together with the photos, Mr. Nguyen Phong informed: “The photo of Kham Van Palace is priceless. This is an important palace in Co Ha Garden, which was used to be requisitioned to hold the court by Emperor Tu Duc”, or “the photo of the garden’s overall view shows a series of works that have lost all traces, with distorted foundations. However, it is becoming clearer thanks to the priceless old documentary photos that we bought from the auction in France”.
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| The general situation of Co Ha Garden |
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| A mirror painting depicting the works in Co Ha Garden is found at a university in the provincial area |
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| A corner of Co Ha Garden in the documentary photo and the real situation |
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| Kham Van Palace – an important palace that Emperor Tu Duc used to hold the court here |
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| The 3D design rendering of Hai Tinh Nien Phong Cac on Doanh Chau Island |
By Thua Thien Hue Weekly
