Master plan for Keo pagoda to be designed
Update: Apr 20, 2016
A master plan for Keo pagoda - a special national relic based in Vu Thu district, the northern province of Thai Binh will be devised by the provincial People’s Committee to make it easier for the preservation and value promotion work.

Agreed by Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, the plan will be examined by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism before reaching the Prime Minister for approval.

Just over 130km away from the capital Ha Noi, Keo Pagoda, which was built in 1632, is an ancient building but has 102 rooms, more than any other pagoda in Viet Nam.

There are two passages which separate the pagoda from the temple. They are designed with curved roofs that join together at the 11.5m-high iron and wood bell tower.

The tower has three storeys, each of which possesses its own tiled roof and bronze bell.

The 108,000 sq.m pagoda is home to a wealth of ancient artefacts, which range from intricately engraved wooden dragons to a collection of over 100 statues.

It has also preserved many valuable antiques, such as a pair of candlesticks from the Mac Dynasty, pottery and altars from the Le Dynasty and several imperial boats.

The pagoda was recognised as a national historical-cultural relic on April 28, 1962.

In September 2012, the PM recognised Keo pagoda as a special national relic.

VNA