HÀ NỘI — A temple dedicated to King Lê Hoàn, who helped free the country from Chinese invaders, has been recognised as a special national relic.

The certificate-granting ceremony was held on Friday in Thọ Xuân District, the central province of Thanh Hóa, during the Lê Hoàn Festival, which was held from Wednesday to Friday.

The most ancient temple of Thanh Hóa Province received the certificate on Friday. — Photo baotnvn.vn

The festival is an opportunity for people to remember King Lê Hoàn, who fought against the Song dynasty in 981. 

Local people built a temple in the 17th century in Trung Lập Village in Thanh Hóa Province, his hometown, to remember the talented king.

The temple, known as the most ancient temple of Thanh Hóa Province and preserved intact, is home to important documents and objects related to life and career of the king.

The temple covers 4ha with complex decorative objects like lions made of terracotta, silver cups, ceramic vases, a portrait of the King by a Chinese painter and a plate made of stone believed to have been given by a king of China’s Song dynasty. — VNS