Khue Van Cac (Pavilion of the Constellation of Literature), located in Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university), is officially the symbol of Hanoi. But what’s so special about this red two-story red pavilion, capped with an elaborate roof and perched atop white stone columns? It was erected in 1805 under the reign of the Nguyen dynasty, and for over 200 years, it has symbolized the pinnacle of intellect. Its four round windows featuring radiating rays, each facing one of the four directions, are reminiscent of a shining constellation and reflect a bright national education full of talents. On the top floor, the banisters are engraved with eight sacred objects. Keep an eye out for two smaller gates of note nearby – Suc Van Mon and Bi Van Mon – which are dedicated to the beauty of literature, both its content and its form.
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