Location: Situated on the dike of the Duong River, Dinh To Commune, Thuan Thanh District, Bac Ninh Province. Characteristics: The pagoda was built in 17th century, according to "Noi Cong Ngoai Quoc" architectural style.
◊ History
The pagoda was built in the 17th century, during the late Le Dynasty. Its founder was Chinese Buddhist Priest Zhus Zhus, who died in 1644. Queen Mother Trinh Thi Ngoc Truc requested that Lord Trinh Trang enlarge the pagoda in 1646.
◊ Architecture
The pagoda was built according to "Noi Cong Ngoai Quoc" architectural style, and includes 10 buildings spread over 100m, from the three-entrance gate to the bell-tower and back house. Two towers, 10m high Ton Duc and 13m high Bao Nghiem, are made of white rock, making the pagoda seem higher, more majestic and peaceful.
◊ Valuable Ancient Objects and Statues
The pagoda keeps some remains of the 17th century such as statues, valuable donations, Nine-Story Lotus Tower, Tuyet Son Statue, Bao Nghiem Tower, Tay Thien Dong Do Lich Dai To Statue, etc, especially Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Statue with 1,000 arms and 1,000 eyes, made in 1656 and symbolizing the reverence of both religion and beauty.
But Thap Pagoda has been recognized as Special National Relic since 2013 and Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Statue with 1,000 arms and 1,000 eyes in the pagoda has been ranked National Treasure since 2012.
Bac Ninh