Nhat Thanh Lau

Historic Building in Hue

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Suicasmo

Nhat Thanh Lau is a historically significant two-story building located in the eastern part of the Hue Imperial City, specifically to the east of Can Thanh Palace and south of Thai Binh Lau. This site originally served as the location of Minh Than Palace. According to historical accounts, Nhat Thanh Lau functioned as a Buddha temple for the king within the Forbidden City, reflecting its importance in the religious and cultural life of the royal family. The building was accessible through a corridor that provided a covered entrance, further emphasizing its significance and the need for privacy.

Nhat Thanh Lau suffered considerable damage during the conflicts of the 20th century, being destroyed first in 1947 and again in 1968, leaving only the foundation of the structure intact. Despite these losses, the significance of Nhat Thanh Lau was recognized, and in 2018, efforts were made to restore the building on its original foundation. The restoration aimed to preserve the cultural heritage of the site, allowing it to once again be part of the historical narrative of the Hue Imperial City.

Today, Nhat Thanh Lau stands as a symbol of the resilience of Vietnam’s cultural heritage, representing the ongoing efforts to preserve and restore the historical landmarks of the Nguyen Dynasty.

The Nhat Thanh Lau appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hue!

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