CANH TIEN TOWER

Click to listen: 

Introduction to Canh Tien Tower

From the 11th to the 15th centuries, Gia Lai was once the capital region of the Champa Kingdom. As a result, many Champa cultural heritages remain in the area today, including 8 tower groups with a total of 14 towers.

Canh Tien Tower is a Cham architectural monument of particular significance, located on a low hill in the center of Do Ban Citadel – the former capital of Champa. It is the only remaining tower within the Do Ban citadel complex, today situated in Nam Tan Hamlet, An Nhon Ward, Gia Lai Province.

The name Canh Tien (“Fairy Wings”) was given by the local people. According to tradition, the tower was so named because from the upper section upward, the outline resembles the wings of a celestial being in flight. French researchers, however, referred to it as the Bronze Tower (Tour de Cuivre). Nonetheless, the name Canh Tien has prevailed, highlighting the elegance and gracefulness of the monument. Dating from the 12th century, Canh Tien Tower was designated a National Architectural and Artistic Monument in 1982.

Canh Tien Tower is a prime example of the Binh Dinh style of Cham architecture. With its imposing form, massive structure, and striking silhouette, it is impressive even from afar. Strong vertical pilasters and large recessed wall panels emphasize its solidity, while the tall, spearhead-like arches and robust corner turrets rising from each tier enhance its grandeur.

A distinctive feature of Canh Tien Tower is the use of sandstone slabs carved with spiral vine motifs to cover the outer pilasters at the wall corners — a unique characteristic not found in any other surviving Cham monument.

Each tier of the tower’s four façades is adorned with false doors, arranged in three receding levels. Each consists of two parts: pilasters forming a niche below and a pointed arch above. In Cham towers generally, these false doors were among the most exquisite features, richly decorated with intricate carvings and diverse motifs. Unfortunately, at Canh Tien Tower, the carvings on the false doors have collapsed, leaving no basis for restoration.

At each corner of every tier, sandstone ornaments shaped like foliage resembling the tails of phoenixes extend outward like fairy wings in flight. These details impart to the tower a sense of lightness and grace, evoking joy and serenity, setting it apart from the more solemn and austere Champa towers. Combined with the brilliant red brick of the structure, from afar Canh Tien Tower appears like a radiant flame shimmering against the blue sky.

Today, Canh Tien Tower remains one of the best-preserved Champa monuments. It has been conserved and restored, helping to revive part of its original beauty.