location_onThôn Hậu Sanh, Phuoc Huu Commune, Khanh Hoa Province
Po Rome Tower, also known as Hau Sanh Tower, is one of the representative Champa architectural structures built around the 17th century. The monument is associated with King Po Rome, a Cham ruler remembered in historical accounts and folk traditions through stories about his life, reign, and contributions to the community.
Beyond its architectural value, Po Rome Tower is a sacred place of worship that reflects the relationship between religious beliefs, art, and the spiritual life of the Cham people. Over the centuries, the tower has continued to play an important role in preserving traditional cultural values.
Po Rome Tower is located in the Hau Sanh area of Phuoc Huu Commune, Khanh Hoa Province, in an area that formerly belonged to Ninh Thuan Province. The structure stands on a hill, offering an open landscape surrounded by a region rich in Cham cultural heritage.
From the center of Phan Rang–Thap Cham, visitors can travel south along National Highway 1A to the Phuoc Dan area, then continue on local roads toward Phuoc Huu Commune and Hau Sanh. Depending on the starting point and traffic conditions, visitors are advised to check their route before setting out.
Visitors should bring drinking water, a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable footwear for walking on sloping terrain.
Po Rome Tower features characteristic elements of late-period Champa architecture. Built primarily of brick, the structure showcases traditional construction techniques that give it an ancient appearance and a harmonious overall design.
The tower has an approximately square ground plan. Its body rises vertically, while the roof gradually narrows through successive tiers. The main entrance faces east, while the other sides feature false doors for decorative purposes. Corner pilasters, decorative details, and the roof structure give the monument a strong yet elegant appearance.
The upper section narrows progressively, reflecting the aesthetic principles and architectural techniques of the Cham people. Although affected by the passage of time, Po Rome Tower remains an important testament to Champa construction skills and architectural artistry.
King Po Rome is closely associated with the history and religious life of the Cham community. According to various sources and local traditions, his reign is commonly dated to approximately 1627–1651.
In community memory, King Po Rome is linked to stories about agricultural development, irrigation, and the livelihoods of local people. These legends have been passed down through generations, adding historical and cultural depth to the monument.
The worship of King Po Rome at the tower reflects the community’s reverence for this historical figure and highlights the close connection between historical memory, religious belief, and Cham cultural identity.
Inside and around Po Rome Tower are architectural features, sacred images, and artifacts associated with the traditional religious practices of the Cham people.
Figures and objects mentioned in accounts of the monument’s worship space include a statue of King Po Rome, a bust of Queen Bia Than Can, the sacred bull Nandin, the Linga symbol, and stone Kut monuments bearing traditional decorative motifs.
These images and artifacts help illustrate the religious beliefs, sculptural traditions, and worship practices of the Cham community. Visitors should behave respectfully, avoid touching artifacts without permission, and refrain from disrupting religious activities at the site.
One of the most meaningful times to explore Cham culture is during the Kate Festival, an important traditional celebration of the Cham Balamon community.
The festival generally takes place around the seventh month of the Cham calendar, corresponding approximately to September or October in the Gregorian calendar, depending on the year. It is an occasion for the community to honor deities, revered figures, and ancestors, while praying for peace and favorable harvests.
Religious ceremonies, processions carrying sacred attire, and traditional artistic performances create a solemn atmosphere rich in cultural identity. Po Rome Tower is one of the sites of significance in the religious life of the Cham community.
Visitors may check the local festival schedule before their trip to experience appropriate cultural activities while respecting community customs and ceremonial rules.
Po Rome Tower is a suitable destination for travelers interested in history, ancient architecture, and local culture. The monument enriches the Champa heritage of Vietnam’s South Central Coast and demonstrates the enduring vitality of traditional cultural values.
In addition to exploring the architecture, visitors can learn about religious beliefs, customs, and folk stories preserved within the Cham community. The surrounding landscape also offers a glimpse into local agricultural life and the distinctive cultural setting of the region.
A visit to Po Rome Tower can be combined with a trip to Phan Rang–Thap Cham, traditional Cham craft villages, and other cultural destinations in the area, depending on available time and travel conditions.
To make the visit comfortable and show respect for the monument, visitors should keep the following tips in mind:
With its distinctive ancient brick architecture, its historical association with King Po Rome, and its continuing role in the community’s religious life, Po Rome Tower is a monument of particular importance for understanding Champa culture.
A visit to the tower offers more than an opportunity to admire an ancient structure. It also allows travelers to discover layers of history, religious belief, and cultural identity that the local community continues to preserve. The tower is a worthwhile stop on a journey exploring the cultural heritage of Khanh Hoa.
Photo source: Collected sources.
location_onThôn Hậu Sanh, Phuoc Huu Commune, Khanh Hoa Province
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