Nhan Tower: Architectural Hallmark
In the late 11th century up to the early 12th century, Nhan Tower was a place of worship for the Cham people. Located at Tuy Hoa City, Phu Yen Province, around Nhan Mountain, on the Northern bank of Da Rang River, near National Highway 1A, Nhan Tower today represents a distinct character of architectural art of the Cham people.
Quadrilateral in shape, four stories, with the fourth story smaller than the first one, the tower is indeed a manifestation of a one-of-a-kind architectural form. It is 20 meters high, with each side of the foot tower 11 meters long. The middle gate is designed with a sharp shape and monsters on top of it, the latter inspired by the pyramid and linga. Linga is one of Cham's worships.
At the time of the French colonization, Nhan Tower was almost completely destroyed. It was restored by the Diem's regime at the end of 1960. Today, what's left is a flat stone and a lotus flower carved at the foot of the stone. Another stone, square-shaped and five meters long on each side, with three ancient letters (the letter Phan), were also found at the foot of Nhan Mountain.
Although Nhan Tower is now just a remnant of its former self, it still remains to be a mark of architectural beauty among the Cham people, an art and historical symbol that is still so significant that it continues to attract visitors not only within the country, but all over the world.