Located on a hill in Tuy Phuoc Bac commune, the Banh It Towers, built between the late 11th and early 12th centuries, showcase Champa architecture. The name originates from its resemblance to "banh it la gai," a local pyramid-shaped cake wrapped in ramie leaves.
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The Banh It Towers complex sits atop a hill in Tuy Phuoc Bac commune. Photo: Tran Hoa |
The Banh It Towers complex sits atop a hill in Tuy Phuoc Bac commune. Photo: Tran Hoa
The complex comprises four towers: the Main Tower (Kalan), the Gate Tower (Gopura), the Fire Tower (Kosagrha), and the Stele Tower (Posah). This is the largest cluster among the eight remaining Cham tower groups in the former Binh Dinh province, once a major religious center of the ancient Vijaya kingdom.
However, many walls within the towers are marred by graffiti written in chalk and pen, some even carved into the ancient bricks, including names and dates. Inside the Main Tower, dedicated to the god Shiva, crude drawings cover the walls.
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Behind the statue of Shiva, the walls are covered in graffiti. Photo: Tran Hoa |
Behind the statue of Shiva, the walls are covered in graffiti. Photo: Tran Hoa
The Fire and Stele Towers, about 10 meters tall, are now home to thousands of bats. The bats cling to the walls and their droppings coat the floors, creating a strong odor that deters many visitors.
Bui Tinh, Director of the Gia Lai Provincial Museum, said the graffiti and carvings have existed for decades. As a national monument, restoration requires permission from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and expert consultation to preserve its original state.
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The walls of Banh It Towers are defaced with graffiti and carvings. Photo: Tran Hoa |
The walls of Banh It Towers are defaced with graffiti and carvings. Photo: Tran Hoa
In 2016, with the presence of regular security guards, vandalism decreased significantly. The site now has six security cameras and signs warning against graffiti.
Regarding the bat issue, Tinh explained that the high, enclosed terrain provides an ideal habitat. Despite numerous attempts by authorities, efforts to remove the bats have been unsuccessful. "I will immediately address the lack of cleaning of bat droppings within the towers," he said.
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Bat droppings, urine, and decaying carcasses litter the floor of the Stele Tower. Photo: Tran Hoa |
Bat droppings, urine, and decaying carcasses litter the floor of the Stele Tower. Photo: Tran Hoa
Banh It Towers represent a transitional style between My Son A1 and Binh Dinh architectural styles, combining the elegance and grandeur of Champa architecture. In 1982, the complex was designated a national architectural and artistic monument.
Tran Hoa
