Văn Miếu (Temple of Literature) is a temple dedicated to Confucius in Hanoi, northern Vietnam. The temple was built in 1070 at the time of Emperor Lý Thánh Tông, and it hosted the Imperial Academy (Quốc Tử Giám, 國子監), Vietnam’s first national university, from 1076 to 1779. The Văn Miếu is one of several temples in Vietnam which is dedicated to Confucius, sages, and scholars. The temple is located to the south of the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long.

The temple layout is similar to that of the temple at Qufu, Shandong, Confucius’ birthplace. It covers an area of over 54000 square metres including the Văn lake, Giám park and the interior courtyards which are surrounded by a brick wall.

Below is a selection of photos taken during a visit to Văn Miếu on June 6, 2015. Click on a small photo for a larger view, then select the next one with the cursor keys or the arrows on either side of the photo.