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The ancient mansion of Nong family in
Bao Lac district (Cao
Bang), is located on an area of about 6,000 m2, was the living and working place
of the famous Nong Quan Dao - Nong Hung Tan family once upon a time. facing the
risk of disappearing due to the indifference and insensitivity of some local
relic managers.
The Nong family mansion is associated with an important historical period of
Cao Bang province.
This is not only an artistic and cultural architectural work but also a relic
associated with the process of fighting to protect the territory and borders in
Bao Lac. The property originally belonged to the Nong family in Bao Lac - a Tho
Ty mandarin family descended under the Nguyen Dynasty, with many contributions
to the country, preserving the border and national territorial sovereignty.
The Nong family mansion was built by Nong Hong Tan in 1890, associated with a
number of historical figures of the Nong family such as: Nong Van Bat, Nong Van
Liem, Nong Van Van, Nong Hong Thac... there are many his achievements in
fighting foreign invaders and protecting Vietnam's territorial borders.
Previously, the mansion was located on a large campus, with 2 ancient wildflower
trees over 100 years old in front of the gate, including an inner house and an
outer house.
Initially, Nong Hong Tan built a large private house with spacious, unique
wooden architecture and located in a very prime location. This mansion includes
2 main houses with a total area of over 300 m2. Around the big house are many
other wooden houses as living quarters for the home servants. There is also a
stable area that could accommodate hundreds of horses, along with a large yard
used to practice martial arts and play ground.
In 1909, the son-in-law of the Nong family, Nong Quang Tuyen (also known as
Nguyen Dinh Giai), renovated and built an external brick house with Western
architecture combined with local architecture, built with terracotta bricks,
lime and native macadam.
Currently, the Nong family mansion is located in the center of Bao Lac town (Bao
Lac district, Cao Bang province), with only one main house left with an
architecture that harmoniously combines Western and local architecture; along
with an ancient Da Huong tree on the campus. In general the house has French
architectural features, only the roof is still covered with Yin and Yang tiles
according to the local style. Currently, the Nong family mansion in Bao Lac town
is the only ancient house in Cao Bang province.
Not only has historical and architectural value, the Nong family mansion is also
a place for cultural and religious activities of the people. The Nong family had
the merit of fighting the enemy to protect the territory and border of Bao Lac.
Thanks to the efforts of the Nong family, the lives of people in the border area
returned to peace. To engrave the gratitude and set a shining example for future
generations and descendants of the family to follow, in 2018 the Nong family's
ancestral house was built on the land of the Nong family mansion. The man who
called for its construction was Duong Van Tan (6th generation great-grandson of
the Nong family) and is also the person who organizes the death anniversary
offerings on lunar October 17 every year. |
