Quan Thanh Temple is one of the four temples in Hanoi that have been protecting the city from various misfortunes since ancient times. It is located on the way to Tran Quoc Pagoda.
The temple was built on the shore of the West Lake in the early 11th century. According to legend, a certain ghost prevented the ancient ruler An Zyong Vyong from building a defensive fortress. He was helped by the guardian of the north, Saint Chang Vu, who delivered the emperor from the malicious spirit. In gratitude, the ruler ordered to build a temple dedicated to Chang Wu at the northern gate of the ancient capital. A huge bronze statue of the magnanimous saint became the main exhibit of the temple. Cast in 1677, weighing over three and a half tonnes, it was recognised in Hanoi as the standard of casting. The four-metre tall Trang Vu is depicted barefoot, sword in hand. A small stone monument to the creator of the Chang Vu statue was erected in the temple by his disciples. Other artifacts of the temple include numerous handwritten poems from the 17th century.
One of the oldest temples in the city, Quan Thanh has been rebuilt several times. At the end of the XIX century, the temple was completely reconstructed, supplemented with a triple gate with a courtyard, thanks to which the temple turned out to be a classic - multi-courtyard. At the same time two additional sacred halls were built - the front and the central one. Since then the appearance of the temple remains unchanged.
Despite the historical value, the temple looks modest, but cosy. In the courtyard you can rest in the shade of century-old trees, triple gates protect from the noise of the roadway.
