Nhat Tru Pagoda

Nhat Tru Pagoda is a historic Buddhist pagoda located within the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital complex in Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province. Built in the 10th century during the reign of King Le Dai Hanh of the Early Le Dynasty, it is noted for its stone pillar engraved with Buddhist sutras. The pagoda is an important remnant of the former imperial capital and a significant cultural and religious site in northern Vietnam.

Visitors can expect a small, tranquil Buddhist pagoda set within the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital archaeological park, surrounded by limestone karst scenery and historic temple grounds. The main features are the reconstructed worship hall, courtyard, and the original stone pillar (Nhat Tru) with carved Buddhist sutras. The site is compact and quiet, offering cultural and historical exploration alongside the nearby King Dinh and King Le temples within the same complex.

Built in 979-980 during the reign of King Le Dai Hanh of the Early Le Dynasty when Hoa Lu was the capital of Dai Co Viet. The pagoda is named after its stone pillar (Nhat Tru - One Pillar) which bears Buddhist sutras and is considered an important epigraphic artifact of 10th-century Vietnamese Buddhism. It is one of the few remaining structures from the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital period.

An important Buddhist religious site representing early Vietnamese Buddhism under the Dinh and Early Le dynasties. The stone sutra pillar is revered as a significant Buddhist artifact and the pagoda remains an active place of worship and pilgrimage within the Hoa Lu cultural and spiritual landscape.