THE DOCTORS’ STELAE GARDEN AND THIÊN QUANG WELL

The Doctors’ Stelae Garden is one of the most important areas within the Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám complex. At its center stands a square well known as Thiên Quang Tỉnh (Well of Heavenly Light). Measuring 30 meters by 30 meters, the ancient well is surrounded by a brick balustrade, with brick stairways descending to the water on the eastern and western sides. The water remains full throughout the year, its calm surface reflecting the sky above.

On both the eastern and western sides of the well are rows of Doctors’ Stelae. The first stone stelae were erected in 1484 under the reign of King Lê Thánh Tông to honor outstanding scholars and encourage learning for both contemporary and future generations. Today, 82 stelae remain, recording the names and hometowns of 1,304 Doctors (Tiến sĩ) who passed 82 royal examinations held between 1442 and 1779.

In 1994, protective pavilions were constructed to preserve the Doctors’ Stelae. The eight stelae houses were designed on a modest scale, harmoniously complementing the two central pavilions. Their wooden columns support traditional roofs covered with curved Vietnamese tiles. The addition of these eight protective structures has transformed the third courtyard into a complete and well-integrated architectural ensemble.

Today, the 82 Doctors’ Stelae are recognized as a precious documentary heritage of Vietnam. In 2011, they were inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme Register for the Asia-Pacific region, and in 2015 they were recognized by the Vietnamese Government as a National Treasure.