Unique architectures of hundred- year-old tile bridges in Ninh Binh

The Luong market tile bridge in Hai Anh commune of Ninh Binh province (formerly Hai Anh commune, Hai Hau district, Nam Dinh province) is one of the ancient bridges with an age of more than 500 years. This is one of the three most beautiful ancient tile bridges in the country, printed on a stamp in 2012.

The bridge is designed in the style of "upper house, lower bridge", including nine ancient tiled compartments, softly curved across the dreamy Trung Giang river.

The floor of the bridge is two metres wide, consisting of 66 ironwood bars placed on a row of curved beams. The load-bearing structure consists of 18 square stone columns. The above part is a system of horizontal and vertical beams made of ironwood, ensuring firmness and durability.

The two ends of the bridge are designed in the shape of a soft scroll, inside are the four words "Quan Phuong Xa Kieu", meaning Quan Phuong Commune Bridge - the ancient name of Hai Anh commune.

After more than 500 years, the Luong market tile bridge still retains its original architectural style, a source of pride for local people. In 1990, the bridge was ranked by the State as a National Historical and Cultural Relic.

The Thuong market tile bridge (also known as Thuong Nong tile bridge) located in Nam Minh commune, Ninh Binh province (formerly Binh Minh commune, Nam Truc district, Nam Dinh province) is also one of the bridges built in the ancient "upper house, lower bridge" architectural style that is still preserved.

The bridge was built during the Later Le Dynasty in the 18th century, about 300 years ago. The bridge is about 17.35m long, connecting the two banks of the Ngoc River.

The bridge has 11 bays, each bay is 1.4 - 1.6m wide. The three main bays in the middle have steps for sitting, and the outside has a railing for passersby to sit and rest and chat. The roof of the bridge is covered with curved tiles.

The bridge abutments are made from monolithic stone blocks, creating stability. The entire frame and bridge beams are made of ironwood. The bridge has a total of 40 vertical columns on both sides. The bridge surface is paved with green stone blocks.

In 2012, the Thuong market tile bridge was recognised by the State as a National Historical and Cultural Relic.

Also bearing the "upper house, lower bridge" architecture, the Kenh village covered bridge (Co Le commune, Ninh Binh province, formerly Co Le town, Truc Ninh district, Nam Dinh province) has a very simple and rustic beauty. The bridge was built during the Ly Dynasty, about 700 years ago.

The Kenh village covered bridge has five spans, about 10m long, 4m wide, 3m high (from the floor to the roof). The bridge is mainly made of ironwood, consisting of 28 pillars, of which four main pillars are planted deep in the riverbed, each pillar is more than 50cm in diameter.

Over time, the main wooden pillars were damaged and replaced with new ones but still retained their original form.

The roof of the bridge is covered with palm leaves, creating a sturdy shelter, helping the bridge withstand wind and rain well.

Today, the Kenh village covered bridge is not only a traffic structure, but also a community space. Every noon, people always stop by to rest, enjoy the cool air, and chat.

The Phat Diem tile bridge is located in Phat Diem town, Ninh Binh province, built in 1902, spanning the An river flowing through former Kim Son district.

The bridge was recognised as a provincial historical and cultural relic in 2018. This is one of the famous ancient covered bridges in Vietnam, along with Thanh Toan covered bridge (Hue), Chua Cau (Quang Nam), and Cau Luong covered bridge (Nam Dinh).

After hundreds of years of history, this bridge still retains its unique shape and architecture and has become the pride of local people.

The Phat Diem tile bridge has a unique architecture. The above part is a system of wooden frames, trusses, and columns like a tiled house to help people crossing the bridge avoid rain and sun while protecting the wooden structures of the bridge.

This bridge is designed in a rainbow shape with three spans with four bays, steel beams combined with reinforced concrete pillars.

The roof beams, columns, trusses, trusses, span locks, purlins, balusters, and railings are all made of wood, the bridge floor is paved with stone.

With unique architecture, these bridges are not only symbols of architecture and fine arts imbued with Vietnamese identity but also have important cultural and tourism significance.