The One Pillar Pagoda is one of the oldest architectural legacies in Vietnam, as it was constructed in 1049. It was destroyed numerous times during French’s colonization in Vietnam, but it was finally restored on 1955, nearly a millennia from its time of original construction (One Pillar Pagoda).Like some other very ancient buildings, predating back to around 1000 A.D. or earlier, the One Pillar Pagoda was built when many kingdoms still dominated most parts of Southeast Asian countries. Naturally, the creation of the One Pillar Pagoda was triggered by a king, namely King Ly Thai from the Ly Dynasty. Throughout the history of the pagoda, it has been said that it is a tribute from King Ly Thai to a goddess Quan Am. Apparently, the goddess Quan Am appeared to him, offering him a son who would be the heir to his throne. No sooner than later, the King received his gift and built the pagoda as a sign of his thankfulness (One Pillar Pagoda).
The pagoda is located in the middle of a small pond with a stair leading up to an altar inside the pagoda. It would be a very fragile-looking pagoda if not for the white pillar that is supporting it. Colorful wind saxes are hanging from the sides of the roof. Note that the four corners of the roof are slanted up, seemingly a visible influence of ancient style of Chinese architecture.
