The Nguyen Tuong Family Ancestral House

The Nguyen Tuong Family Ancestral House in Hoi An – A Cultural, Historical, and Architectural Gem

Let's explore this heritage site – a "heritage within heritage" in the ancient town of Hoi An.

Introduction to the Nguyen Tuong Family Ancestral House

The Nguyen Tuong Family Ancestral House is located in a small alley near the iconic "Chua Cau" (Japanese Covered Bridge) of Hoi An. Although humble and simple, it holds a rich history and many valuable cultural treasures. Built in 1806, this structure initially served as the residence of Nguyen Tuong Van, a high-ranking official during the reign of Emperor Gia Long of the Nguyen Dynasty. Today, the house is a place of ancestor worship for the Nguyen Tuong family – a renowned scholarly and literary family from Quang Nam. It not only commemorates the family's achievements but also preserves historical relics, documents, and traditional architecture, making it a source of pride for its descendants and Hoi An residents.

The History and Development of the Nguyen Tuong Family

Nguyen Tuong Van, who established the ancestral house, served as the Minister of War under Emperor Minh Mang. He was closely associated with Emperor Gia Long from the early days of the kingdom, receiving titles and having his name changed from "Nguyen Van Van" to "Nguyen Tuong Van," reflecting the emperor's special favor. From there, the Nguyen Tuong family flourished in Quang Nam, with many generations achieving significant academic and professional success. Notably, three famous early 20th-century writers emerged: Nhat Linh (Nguyen Tuong Tam), Thach Lam (Nguyen Tuong Lan), and Hoang Dao (Nguyen Tuong Long) – founders of the Tu Luc Van Doan (Self-Reliant Literary Group) , who contributed to the foundation of modern Vietnamese literature. Besides literature, family members also made significant contributions in fields such as painting, education, and cultural research.

Unique Architecture of the Nguyen Tuong Family Ancestral House

The house exudes elegant, antique charm, combining the traditional house architecture of Hue with the characteristic yin-yang roof tiles of Hoi An.

Structure:
The building consists of three compartments, two wings, and a depth of five spans, with a meticulously carved wooden framework by craftsmen from Kim Bong woodworking village.
The "tu hai" roof style spreads in four directions, creating a sturdy yet graceful appearance.

Interior Space:
The central compartment serves as the worship area, paneled with wood to create a solemn, tranquil atmosphere.
The outer spans and surrounding living spaces are open and airy, suitable for the family's cultural activities.

Preserved Relics:
The house preserves many royal decrees from emperors such as Gia Long, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, Tu Duc, and Thanh Thai. Additionally, valuable relics such as books and the ten-point village charter of Cam Pho – considered the first village charter in Hoi An – are kept here.

Cultural and Historical Values

Scholarly Legacy:
The Nguyen Tuong family is famous as one of the scholarly families of Central Vietnam, with significant contributions to literature, arts, and Vietnamese culture from feudal to modern times.

Heritage and Community Integration:
Today, the Nguyen Tuong Family Ancestral House is not only a historical site but also a community cultural center developed by the family and local authorities, hosting academic and cultural preservation activities.

Conclusion

Dear visitors, the Nguyen Tuong Family Ancestral House is a convergence of unique cultural, historical, and architectural values. It is not only a source of pride for the Nguyen Tuong family but also a precious heritage of the ancient town of Hoi An. Over more than 200 years, this structure has witnessed historical events and become a symbol of learning, success, and societal contribution. We hope that your visit will help you understand more about this heritage and leave a lasting impression of Hoi An – a land of enduring values.

Visiting Experience at the Nguyen Tuong Family Ancestral House

When visiting, you will have the opportunity to:

• Admire the delicate and ancient architecture of the house.
• Learn about the history of the Nguyen Tuong family, interesting stories about its generations and their careers.
• Explore valuable historical documents, such as royal decrees, relics, and the village charter of Cam Pho.