Three new city-level historical sites recognized in Cat Hai Special Zone
The three sites were built around the 17th–18th centuries during the Later Lê Dynasty and are closely associated with spiritual and cultural life as well as the formation, protection, and development of the Cat Hai island and coastal region.
The Hai Phong City People’s Committee has recently issued decisions to recognize three outstanding sites in the Cat Hai Special Zone as city-level historical relics. These include the Temple of Duc Thanh Tran, Don Luong Communal House, and Hoa Hy Village Communal House.
The Temple of Duc Thanh Tran is dedicated to Hung Dao Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan, a renowned historical figure, national hero, and outstanding military commander of Vietnam in the 13th century.
Don Luong Communal House is a place of worship dedicated to four village tutelary deities: Dong Hai Dai Vuong Doan Thuong, Nam Hai Dai Vuong Pham Tu Nghi, Duc Dong Tran Hai Anh Nghi Thuong Dang Than, and Tay Duc Uy Dung Cam Ung Thuong Dang Than.
Among them, Doan Thuong and Pham Tu Nghi are historical figures who made significant contributions to protecting coastal areas, safeguarding territorial sovereignty, and helping local communities stabilize their livelihoods. The remaining two tutelary deities clearly reflect the spiritual beliefs of coastal residents, expressing their aspirations for peace, harmony, and favorable natural and sea conditions.
Throughout various historical periods, Hoa Hy Village Communal House has not only served as a center for religious life but has also been closely associated with many important national events. In 1946, it was selected by the Don Luong Provisional Revolutionary Committee as the venue for organizing contributions during the Gold Week campaign, mobilizing public financial support for the newly established revolutionary government. In the same year, the general election for the first National Assembly was also held at the communal house, highlighting the site’s significant political and social role during the early years of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
Nguyen Cuong