Petrus Ky Mausoleum and Memorial House in district 5, Ho Chi Minh City is a unique place for honoring Truong Vinh Ky – a great contributor of the Vietnamese language. This place has changed massively throughout the course of history and many re-constructions, but the sacred atmosphere remains. The descendants of Petrus Ky has taken over to conserve this attraction of Ho Chi Minh City.
This location is easy to find with noticeable gates.
Who is Petrus Ky?
Petrus Ky, also called Truong Vinh Ky (1837 – 1898), was born in Vinh Long province. He was one of the most famous scholars in Vietnam and served as an intermediary between Vietnamese and Western civilization in the past. He is also known as the “Patriarch of journalism” in Vietnam since he had made great contributions to popularize the Romanized Vietnamese – Quoc Ngu.
See Who Invented the Vietnamese Alphabet?
Petrus Ky and the Gia Dinh Bao.
Petrus Ky was exceptionally gifted in the foreign languages and fluent in at least ten languages. He was appointed as an interpreter for the French in 1806 as well as publishing dictionaries and translated works. Moreover, not only did he teach Oriental languages but also wrote hundreds of books about history, geography, economy, politics,…with an aim to promote cultural treasure of Vietnam and the world.
He had made lots of important contribution to Vietnam.
The Petrus Ky Mausoleum and Memorial House in District 5 was established to commemorate his great contribution to founding the first Quoc Ngu newspaper which was called Gia Dinh Bao, as well as others heritages. Even though international tourists rarely visit this location, it is still worth a visit to earn a better understanding of the Vietnamese written language.
You can see the French architectural when looking outside.
What is Unique about Petrus Ky Mausoleum and Memorial House?
Petrus Ky Mausoleum and Memorial House combines both Oriental and French architecture into one place, including lots of windows, doors, delicate decorations to allow natural lights… and the unique concept of a memorial house brings about an elegant vibe.
Oriental and French design combine as one.
The roof uses some of the traditional Vietnamese sculpture.
The three graves of Petrus Ky himself, his wife and his eldest son, are built flattened on the ground. You can offer incense to Petrus Ky at the altar placed deep inside the house. The ceiling is decorated with the vignette of dragons and horses, creating a solemn atmosphere for the mausoleum.
The solemn atmosphere inside the Petrus ky mausoleum and memorial house.
The graves are sacredly placed on the ground.
Outstanding vignette on the ceiling.
One of the reasons why this place is not well visited by international tourists is that recently the locals have used the campus as a parking lot.
After a long time, this destination remains unspoiled.
The locals have used most of the campus as the parking lot.
The campus is a cute, small garden.
How to Get to Petrus Ky Mausoleum and Memorial House?
Address: 520 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward 2, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
You can take bus number 01 and drop-off at Tran Binh Trong station, or use motorbike taxis and taxis app. Furthermore, booking a Private Motorbike Tour with local tour guides for the most insightful trip in Ho Chi Minh City.
See Useful Mobile Apps for Your Vietnam Travel.
Note for Visiting Petrus Ky Mausoleum and Memorial House in District 5
The opening time is only in the morning at about 9 – 10 AM so you should depart early. Moreover, most of the space is currently used as the parking lot, so we suggest you go with local guides.
Conclusion on Petrus Ky Mausoleum and Memorial House in District 5
Though the Petrus Ky mausoleum and memorial house is not popular with foreign tourists, it is still one of the dedicatory places of the great scholar of Vietnam. Visiting this solemn location will bring you a thorough look at Vietnamese historical heroes and how the locals treasure this place for a long time.
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