Lầu Ngũ Long: A Majestic Symbol of the Trịnh Lords' Era
A Monumental Icon of Thăng Long's Past
Lầu Ngũ Long, once standing proudly outside Tuyên Vũ Gate (where the Hanoi Post Office is today), was an imposing three-story structure. Its five gracefully curved roofs, adorned with porcelain and marble in the shape of dragons, reached an impressive height of about 60 meters. The sturdy construction utilized resilient shale stone, showcasing the architectural prowess of its time.
The lower level of Lầu Ngũ Long served as a distinguished venue for hosting banquets and bestowing official regalia upon newly appointed scholars. Above, the Quang Minh Hall was a significant space where the Lord and the Crown Prince would review naval forces and perform ceremonies seeking national peace and prosperity for the people.
A Hub of Military Might and Scholarly Recognition
Embodying a strong military presence, the lầu also functioned as a crucial center for troop training and artillery deployment. It was guarded day and night, a testament to its strategic importance. During examination periods, successful scholars would formally pay their respects to the Lord within this grand edifice during solemn ceremonies. Many renowned scholars, including Nguyễn Đình Trụ and Đăng Long, were honored at this very lầu.
The legacy of Lầu Ngũ Long, however, was tragically cut short. After 1787, when the phủ was destroyed by fire, the lầu itself was lost. Though its physical traces have vanished, the memory of Lầu Ngũ Long endures vibrantly in the history of Thăng Long. It remains a brilliant emblem of power, culture, and the disciplined order of a bygone era.
