Gò Công

Journey back to the 18th and 19th centuries in Vietnam. Gò Công was home to the powerful Phạm Đăng family, mandarins and courtiers who held significant influence in the southern region. Their legacy is etched in stone, or rather, in the elaborate architecture of the Lăng Hoàng Gia, the Royal Mausoleums. Gò Công city itself is a place of captivating contrasts, a blend of bustling urban life and serene countryside. Canals weave through the landscape, alongside orchards and fields, creating a picturesque tapestry. The Royal Mausoleums stand as a testament to the Phạm Đăng family’s prominence. This ancient architectural complex, located in Long Hưng Commune near National Highway 50, offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich history. Thirteen mausoleums grace this site, each a tribute to a member of the Phạm Đăng lineage. They face each other across a road, enclosed by a weathered wall. The entrance, now adorned with moss, leads to a path lined with pine trees, guiding visitors toward the grand structures. The mausoleums themselves are a fusion of local craftsmanship and the distinctive architectural style of Huế, the former feudal capital. Carpenters from Huế, renowned for their expertise, were brought in to construct these elaborate tombs. Various types of wood, many sourced from Huế, were used in the construction. Remarkably, no nails were used to join the wooden pillars, rafters, or roof beams. The intricate carvings of sacred oriental animals and flowers on the wooden tablets add to the solemnity of the atmosphere. The most impressive of the thirteen mausoleums is that of Grand Duke Phạm Đăng Hưng, father of Queen Consort Từ Dũ and maternal grandfather of King Tự Đức. His mausoleum rests on a mound, occupying over 800 square meters. Local lore whispers that the Grand Duke was buried in a sitting position within a double-layered coffin. Gò Công also boasts the birthplace of Empress Nam Phương, the last empress of Vietnam, adding another layer of historical significance to this charming city. Gò Công offers a unique journey through time. It tells tales of powerful families, royal connections, and architectural marvels.