aodaitours

The temple of Literature (Van Mieu) is a famous ancient monument consisting of the Temple of Literature and Vietnam's first university. The Temple of Literature was built in 1070 in honour of Confucius.

Six years later, Quoc Tu Giam , the first university of Vietnam, was on the premises of Van Mieu. It was the first educational school for royal family members, and it was later opened to talented students. In 1482 Emperor Le Thanh Tong ordered the erection of stela with inscriptions of the names, places of birth, and achievements of graduates who had taken examinations since 1442. Presently 82 stela stand at Van Mieu.

The Temple of Literature is located on Van Mieu St., 2km west of Hoan Kiem lake. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8.00 to 11.30 am and 1.30 to 5pm.