Stone steles on top of stone tortoises: Here you find the engraved names of the studends who passed the final exam at Quốc Tử Giám (Imperial Academy), the first university of Vietnam (1076 to 1779), and became doctors. This university was established in the Confucian temple Văn Miếu (Temple of Literature), that was founded in 1070. It was Emperor Lê Thánh Tông, who founded the tradition of the tortoise-steles from 1448 on.
Van Mieu Gate, the entrance to the Temple of Literature. After this gate you enter the two first courtyards of the temple, a green paradise with ancient trees.
Khuê Văn Các. This pavillon, built in 1802, marks the entrance to the third courtyard with the water of Thien Quang Tinh (Well Of Heavenly Clarity) in the centre and halls on both sides, that house the turtle-steles.
Thien Quang Tinh with the halls.
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