Cam Due Stone Tower in Cam Xuyen District, Ha Tinh has lost most of the original stone construction as the 16th century historical site is going through a major restoration.

Funded by the provincial government, the preservation work, which started in 2009, has knocked down part of the tower’s original gate and surrounding walls and replaced it with completely new structures.

Built 500 years ago to worship Le Am, a eunuch and high official of the Le Dynasty, Cam Due Tower which has three stories and measures more than 3 meter in height was recognized as a National Heritage in 2006.

Its ancient wall, which was one-meter thick, 1.2 meter high and built with wooden stones, a traditional material for building temples in ancient Vietnam, was recklessly rebuilt with modern bricks and cement.

In addition, the tower’s gate was completely demolished and a new one with flamboyant color was put up in its place.

Nguyen Gia Thu, a provincial official, said preservationists should have retained the original structures and the local government now could do nothing about the current state of the heritage.

Source: TT