Hoi An Tran Chapel: Haven for Ancestral Worship

Tran Tu Nhac, an intelligent mandarin living during the reign of King Gia Long, in late 1802 originally has the Chapel built to use a place to worship his ancestral grandparents.

The Church has three types of interior spaces with one main and two side entryways. The main door has traditionally only been opened on important occasions to allow guests to enter and worship ancestors.

In olden days, under feudalism, men use one of the side entryways and women the other.

The Chapel is a unique and harmonious combination of Japanese-Chinese-Vietnamese architecture.

The curved dome ceiling is characteristic of Chinese ancient architecture and symbolizes longevity of life and good luck.

The interior of the Chapel is Vietnamese architecture of the time. The three columns form arrows and bow facing up, signifying a business that effortlessly attracts prosperity and abundance.

The rafters supporting the Chinese rounded ceiling are exquisitely wrought and full of grace.

The interior décor is vivid, with rich artistic pattern lines. Each set of rafters, tables and chairs shine displaying delicate carving works.

On the altar there are wooden boxes representing lost souls. Inside each box are recorded the names and histories of the deceased, along with some important personal artefacts, but no ashes.

After the altar is the exhibition space of the family antiques. The rare artefacts are carefully preserved in glass cases.

Each antique has its own fascinating story to tell.

Many ancient coins have been found buried in jars within the Chapel grounds.

Many tourists choose to buy the coins for good luck, which according to feng shui, carry various inscriptions with widely varying meanings.