Bo Da Pagoda, also known as Bo Pagoda, is an ancient pagoda located on Bo Da mountain in the Phuong Hoang mountain range, in the Thuong Lat village of Tien Son commune, Viet Yen district, Bac Giang province, Vietnam. The pagoda has a timeless beauty and unique architecture.
Bo Da Pagoda is believed to have been built during the Ly Dynasty in the 11th century and expanded under King Le Du Tong in the 18th century. Situated amidst mountains and overlooking the Cau River, the pagoda exudes a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
The Bo Da pagoda relic area is spread out and includes various structures such as Bo Da Son, Tu An, and Tam Duc ancient pagodas, a tower garden, and a shrine pond.
The architecture of Bo Da pagoda is characterized by its simplicity and openness. The ruins feature a unique “internal and external” design and solid walls.
The interior of the pagoda consists of rows of houses connected by mossy corridors, while the courtyard and pagoda grounds are surrounded by high earthen walls. The walls, gates, and other structures in the relic site are built using unique wall construction techniques and small ceramic tiles.
The architectural motifs in Bo Da pagoda are a blend of artistic styles from the Le Trung Hung period and the Nguyen Dynasty. The carvings feature various themes such as clouds, spirals, chrysanthemums, flip-leaf shapes, and mythical creatures.
One of the main attractions of Bo Da pagoda is its tower garden, which covers an area of nearly 8,000m2 and is home to over 1,000 ancient towers. The tower garden is considered the largest and most beautiful in Vietnam.
Bo Da Pagoda was recognized as a special national relic in 2016. It is not only a place of cultural and historical significance, but also a peaceful sanctuary where visitors can find solace and tranquility amidst the religious atmosphere.
