Explore 400-year communal house in Quoc Oai

Situated in the communes of Cong Hoa and Tan Hoa in Quoc Oai District, So Communal House, constructed in 1673, honors the three Great Marshals who supported Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang who founded the state of Dai Co Viet.

So Communal House in Cong Hoa Commune, Quoc Oai District. Photos: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times

Over its 400-year history, So Communal House has been granted 45 royal edicts, which are rare archival documents issued by 27 kings, starting from the time of Dinh Tien Hoang in 968 to the end of the Nguyen dynasty in 1945. These royal edicts encapsulate spiritual values and patriotic traditions, serving as a source of pride for the local community and their heritage.

The communal house was built in the 17th century.

The communal house, which covers over four hectares, features the traditional architectural style. Located in a scenic area, it backs onto Turtle Mountain and faces Day River. The entrance gate of So communal house has 18 stone steps leading down to a semicircular lake, flanked by two stone balustrades, each adorned with elegant, floating cloud motifs.

So Communal House holds significant historical and cultural values.

Inside, the communal house presents a spacious and airy design, consisting of seven main compartments and two side chambers. The central main hall, set lower than the side compartments, houses the altar for the saints and serves as the venue for significant ceremonies during festivals and holidays.

The communal house has ancient architectural style.

The artistic decoration of So Communal House is rich and diverse, with carvings of the four sacred animals, the four seasons, unicorns, dragon-horses, guardian lions, turtles, carp, lotuses, and clouds, highlighting the artisans' skill and meticulous craftsmanship.

Worshiping items elaborately carved.

For generations, the villagers have upheld traditional values at the 400-year-old communal house.

So Communal House is regarded as a masterpiece of architecture and sculpture. It has been recognized with three National Relic Titles: 17th Century Architectural Relic (1980), Historical and Cultural Relic (1995), and Special National Relic (2018).

So Communal House covers an area of more than four hectares in Quoc Oai District, Hanoi.