Temple of Literature, popularly known as Van Thanh, was dedicated to Confucius (551 – 479 B.C) and most celebrated Confucian scholars of China and Vietnam. It was also here that stone Stella bearing names of successful candidates in the national examinations in Nguyen dynasty times (1802 – 1945) were erected.
In Hanoi, there had been another Temple of Literature dating back to 1070 in Ly times preserving 82 stone stelae inscribed with lists of laureates of the Le Dynasty (1428 – 1788).
After Hue imperial city had been made Capital of the country, the construction of a new Temple of Literature was started in 1808. It located on the north bank of the Perfume River, 500m west of the Pagoga of the Heavenly Lady (Thien Mu Pagoda). It was once an ensemble of seven buildings and many minor constructions including 32 stone stelae which bore names of Doctors and some others. They covered an area of some 3sq. hectares. The main and biggest Temple took the cental position surrounded by others.
Most of the wooden structures have been damaged by time. Remains of greatest value now are the stone stelae on the court of the main temple.
Two small houses shelter two stelae with Emperors Minh Mang and Thieu Tri’s inscription the privilege abuse by eunuchs and royal maternal relatives.
Temple of literature in Hue city, on 32 stone stelae set in two facing rows are names, ages and places of birth of 293 successful candidates in national examinations during 1822 – 1919. Most of them became the country’s historic and cultural dignitaries such as Phan Than Gian, Phan Dinh Phung, Ngo Duc Ke, Huynh Thuc Khang, etc.
Come September 2013, travelers to Vietnam’s former imperial city can once again touchdown and take off from the 
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