Villa Nguyen Van Hao Saigon is often known as a crossroads of many cultures, the promised land of many people. From the exiled wanderers, the outcasts, to the people from all over the world looking for a place to live, Saigon has always opened its arms to support. Among them, there are many people who have made a name and left many imprints on the prosperity of this land. Merchant Nguyen Van Hao (1890-1971) is one such case. Through many ups and downs, the memory of a man from a poor background, working in Saigon doing business, selling auto parts and having a brilliant business has long since passed, but his legacy still remains. there. Building with four facades at Tran Hung Dao – Ky Con – Yersin – Le Thi Hong Gam streets, the symbol of his family’s golden age. Started in 1933 and completed in 1937, the villa is located on approximately 800 square meters of land and is designed in the popular Art Deco style of the time. Different from the sophisticated, ornate construction of colonial buildings, the outstanding three-storey building reflects the spirit of the time (zeitgeist): the 1930s was the heyday of modern, elegant architecture. elegant, luxurious and highly effective in use. According to some documents, the building’s construction material is sand mixed with latex, because there was no cement at that time, and high-grade cement tiles for the floor were also imported from France, to match the appearance of the building. Due to not being preserved and restored, Nguyen Van Hao’s villa is now degraded, with an old and gloomy appearance. Not many visitors from all over the world know about the old owner, but his name is now only saved on the walls with the words “NG.V.HAO.” But for those who love and understand Saigon, the Nguyen Van Hao villa is an important witness of a period of development of Saigon architecture. Ancient fountain in the campus of Saigon Water Supply Corporation (1882) After the announcement of permanently staying in Cochinchina (1865), the French began to lay the foundation for the Saigon planning project following the European urban model. Infrastructure issues are put on top, including the construction of a clean water supply system. The first fountain was built in 1878, the second one built in 1882 is still located on the campus of Sawaco. Ancient architecture of Saigon: Ancient fountain in the campus of Saigon Water Supply Corporation This oval fountain consists of three floors, about 25m high, above there are two stainless steel water tanks, solidly built like a fortress, and has an architectural style in harmony with the general urban planning. The highlight of the architecture is the intricately designed rows of doors and ventilation holes. The fountain ended its historic role (1966), when the water supply from shallow wells was replaced by a water supply system from the Dong Nai River. This 130-year-old fountain has officially been kept for conservation, and stands there as a historical monument of Saigon’s water supply industry. Catinat Building (1926) In Saigon, there are ancient buildings that have been renovated to suit modern lifestyles, but still retain their ancient features and architectural values. Catinat Building at 26 Ly Tu Trong is an example. The building used to be the office of many large companies, including the headquarters of the American Consulate (1930-1940). In 1941, Catinat suffered heavy damage because it became the target of Japanese bombing. In the 1960s, the Americans used this place as the headquarters of the CIA. After 1975, Catinat became an apartment building and the ground floor was used as a trading place. In recent years, young people in Saigon have given Catinat a new life by turning this place into a miniature commercial center, with shops, fashion shops, cafes… The Art Deco elements in the building are preserved almost intact, from the old brick foundation, winding iron stairs, to the old elevator that goes up and down slowly every day. But inside the rental areas are spaces with separate styles, expressing the personality of the owner. There are many controversies surrounding the preservation of heritage by changing the use, but in the case of Catinat building, it can be considered as a reasonable solution in the current situation. Saint Joseph Saigon Seminary Chapel (1867) In the heart of Saigon as it is today, there is still a place of tranquility and silence: the chapel of Saint Joseph’s Seminary, more than 140 years old. The building was designed in the Gothic style with Father Wibaux’s original intention to “symbolize the special adoration of the Seminarians”. The chapel consists of a main compartment interspersed between two auxiliary compartments using pointed arches, the outermost is a series of flat roof corridors. The rows of large and small columns intertwine to create a feeling that the space is larger than it really is. The interior of the chapel is simple but still exudes an elegant and elegant look. Although it has received little attention due to its location on the seminary grounds, this chapel is still considered an important architectural work on the heritage map of the city.

Another town in Italy for sale of houses for 1 Euro On the slopes of Mount Etna, near luxury Taormina and the beaches of Sicily’s east coast, Castiglione di Sicilia has about 900 abandoned houses, most of which are located in the oldest areas of town. In it, about half was much destroyed and sold for a very cheap price, about 1 Euro, equivalent to 27,800 VND. Remaining units in better condition can be sold at prices ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 Euro, equivalent to 111 million to 139 million. Antonino Camarda, mayor of Castiglione di Sicilia, has carried out a number of ambitious projects that give new life to his town. It is known that the population here has decreased from 14,000 in the early 1900s to 3,000 today. Antonino Camarda said: “We have a huge architectural legacy that needs to be rescued, filled with historic traces. Over time, too many people have left, leaving picturesque old houses behind. , many houses have even been built since the “Renaissance”. While several other Italian towns that run similar programs have sold many homes for as little as € 1, Castiglione di Sicilia is pricing homes according to their condition. “We do some in-depth research on individual property portfolios based on maps and land registration data. Depending on the condition of the house, the prices are different, starting from scratch,” the mayor said. 1 Euro “. If a house has many interested people, they will hold the auction. The project reaches out to former owners who want to clean their homes and new buyers. People who want to buy a home in Castiglione di Sicilia have to complete the renovations within three years. However, unlike most other programs, homebuyers do not need a deposit. Meanwhile, local taxes in Sicily are lower than the rest of Italy. Perched on a cliff on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, Castiglione di Sicilia overlooks the Alcantara valley, home to breathtaking gorges and gorges. They form from volcanic lava eruptions many years ago. Trees, olive gardens, orange orchards, witch hazel plantations, and wineries are scattered around the area. On the hillsides of Etna, people grow a lot of grapes, raw materials to create high quality wine bottles. Castiglione was once dubbed the ‘city of wine’, right at the entrance to the town is a giant sculpture in the shape of a big barrel and a glass of wine. Castiglione di Sicilia was founded on the ashes of prehistoric settlements in 403 BC. The name of the town comes from “Lion’s Castle” and on Castiglione’s coat of arms there is also a picture of two lions standing guard. The town is a member of the I Borghi Pìu Belli d’Italia, the association of Italy’s most beautiful historic towns. Many streets and walls are made of dark lava pebbles while the adjoining aristocratic mansions are interspersed with simple houses. Located along the hillside, the town is divided into many communes and wards at different altitudes. The center is a maze of arched cobbled alleys and gargoyle buildings with gargoyles. Most of the abandoned houses in the area have a unique appearance, shaped like small turrets, with many different entrances. Marina di Cottone is close to town, about a 40-minute drive away with a long stretch of sand, ideal for families with children.

According to CNN, tourist vacations are increasingly slag due to travel restrictions and quarantine requirements in Italy. Panoramic town of Castiglione di Sicilia The town of Castiglione di Sicilia is located on the Italian island of Sicily, home to 900 abandoned houses – for sale for the price of a cup of coffee. These long-standing houses, of which about half are severely degraded, are for sale for a symbolic price of 1 euro (equivalent to $ 1.20). The remaining houses are in better condition and sold for around 4000-5000 euros. Mayor Antonino Camarda has carried out an ambitious project to blow new “life” into this village. The town’s population has declined from 14,000 in the 1990s to 3,000 today. The town of Castiglione di Sicilia is located east of Mount Etna. Photo: CNN “We have a huge historic architectural legacy that needs to be rescued. Over time, too many people have passed away and left behind picturesque old houses. also dates back to the Renaissance, “he said. Several other towns have carried out these campaigns and have already sold a lot of homes. Streets around town. Photo: CNN “We have done in-depth research on each property’s portfolio based on the map and land registration data. Depending on the conditions, the buildings will be sold at different prices,” said Camarda. emphasize. He also added that if many people are interested in the same property, an auction will be held. The town lies under the hillside. Launched in March 2021, this is the largest sales campaign with an estimated 4,000 properties in good condition and requiring minimal renovation. Prospective customers should have a detailed plan for the type of home they want to buy and find ways to improve it to best meet demand from the supply. A dedicated team will be set up to oversee the projects. The surrounding hills are famous for a wide variety of foods and wines. Photo: CNN With this project, the buyer will have to complete the renovation within 3 years. However, unlike other programs, buyers in this project do not have to make any deposits to ensure implementation progress. Instead, new owners are required to purchase an insurance policy from a 4000 euro bank. “New owners will have to pay 100 euros per year from the bank instead of a security deposit,” said Mr Camarda. Besides, local tax rates in Sicily are lower than in other regions of Italy. Buyers can benefit from the “super incentives” program of the Italian Government to improve their home to be more environmentally friendly. A photo corner of the town. Photo: CNN Located on a cliff on the northern slope of Mount Etna, the town of Castiglione di Sicilia overlooks the Alcantara valley – where there are many deep pools and canyons. Castiglione di Sicilia is formed by volcanic lava that has frozen after previous eruptions. From the town you can admire the beautiful landscape of the clear stream, pond, and waterfall. Trees, olive gardens, orange orchards, witch hazel plantations and wineries are scattered around the town. An old house image is for sale for 1 euro. Photo: CNN In the town, uninhabited buildings are uniquely designed, connecting to different streets and located on the winding main road leading to the majestic castle. Residents who once lived here have migrated to Australia and South America in search of a brighter future. Their children and grandchildren did not return, and the house gradually fell into oblivion. Therefore, the town government wants to find new owners to preserve the value of the long abandoned building.

Talking about Ha Hoi refers to the unique architectural complex of the old town with closed but open spaces, connecting almost all activities in the daily life of residents, from living to business, cultural activities. chemistry, entertainment, entertainment … creates a strong vitality non-stop throughout the thousand years of history. Talking about Hanoi is also talking about precious French architectural heritage in harmony with the indigenous architecture, creating a unique feature of the capital. The most quintessential architectural features of Hanoi have been reappeared in a newly launched urban area at the end of January 2021, fully benefiting from the entire transportation infrastructure west of Hanoi. That is the urban area Anlac Green Symphony located at the connecting point west of Hanoi, adjacent to the new urban flows My Dinh and Hoai Duc. With a unique semi-closed planning of a cello, the main road is the Moonlight Avenue radially passing through the streets bearing the charming names Vi Cam, Duong Cam …, the urban area evokes the image. of the ancient Hang district. Close and isolated, Anlac Green Symphony offers a luxurious yet modern living space with houses that are both a place to live and efficient business combination adjacent to green parks and lakes and amenities. internal class. Villa Anlac Green Symphony with green views of the urban area Although mentioning Anlac Green Symphony is that people think of golden position and unique planning, that is still not enough. Anlac Green Symphony scores in the eyes of customers and especially attracts attention is its seductive beauty thanks to its impressive neoclassical architectural design – masterpieces of leading names in Vietnam and the world in urban architecture, such as MLA (Malaysia); CPG (Singapore) …, and especially the talented architect Ho Thieu Tri, is known as the keeper of ancient French architecture in Vietnam. Once again, the talented hands of the architectural artist blew his soul into solid and solid lines to create an Anlac Green Symphony that blends ancient and modern, East and West, deserving is “a miniature Hanoi” in the west of Hanoi. Create living spaces towards delicate owners The highlight of Anlac Green Symphony is that the French-style villas with neoclassical architecture not only contribute to the beauty forever of Hanoi, but also provide a worthy and classy living space. granted to delicate owners. Located close to the urban parks and lakes, the Anlac villas steadily “show off” the classic architectural features and decorative motifs stylized according to the breath of the times, while creating space. generous, spacious and close space for the whole family. Whether it is a single villa, or a duplex villa, each type is cleverly designed with open sides, gardens, miniatures, … right in the house campus, or the windows, the balcony are facing out. urban area with cool green vision. In particular, the villa’s living room is connected to the landscape next to the house by a spacious glass window, making the space expand, sunbathe to catch the wind, bring nature into every breath. Set in the common green color of the entire urban area, all create a feeling of closeness, harmony with nature, bringing relaxation, creating a green, balanced and peaceful lifestyle for family members. . Wide open space inside Villa Anlac Green Symphony Not only showing the superiority in architecture, the villas at Anlac Green Symphony certainly “convince” the most demanding customers thanks to the trendy design trends that architect Ho Thieu Tri has researched to draw. . Taking the traditional culture and emotions of the Vietnamese people as the center, the classic and modern villas still ensure the privacy of each family member but at the same time erase the gap by design. Maximize the partition for multi-generational families and create a common living space that connects members anytime, anywhere. The harmony in design from planning, construction to interior providing a living space that connects the past and towards the future will attract a humane, friendly and modern community. people know how to respect the general principles of society, but at the same time, they are also generous enough and free to create new and unique things. Life will be much more perfect at Anlac Green Symphony. It is also the enthusiasm of investor Anlac Green Symphony when not only striving to create a complete living space for each house, but also creating a unique art space combining French architecture and old town. Hanoi, is the dream living place of the high-class community west of Hanoi. Anlac Green Symphony is a 5-star semi-self-contained urban area west of Hanoi, including products: duplex villas, detached villas, adjacent villas, apartments, shophouse, … – Address: Van Canh – An Khanh, Hoai Duc, Hanoi – Project website: https://anlacgreensymphony.vn/ – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/algreensymphony The project is built and developed by Anlac Group Address: 62 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Dong Da, Hanoi Contact: 0909.70.8686

Reunification Palace (built in 1966, designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu). Modern, convenient For a long time, when it comes to architectural-historical heritages, we often refer to the works built from early 1865 to about 1920 with European architectural style, including the Notre Dame Cathedral. , City Post Office, Western Palace (now the headquarters of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City), Opera House, People’s Court, Continental Hotel … But there is a line of architectural products created after 1954 according to the modern school, although the number of imprinted works is not much, but they are used very usefully until today. After 1954, there appeared a large contingent of architects (architects) in Saigon who were well trained from the US, France, Italy and the country. Among them are many famous architects such as Ngo Viet Thu, To Cong Van, Pham Van Thang, Nguyen Quang Nhac, Nguyen Huu Thien, Nguyen Ba Lang, Bui Quang Hanh … They have laid the foundation for a modern architecture. international but still retaining national spirit and suitable for tropical climate. From 1954 to 1975 due to many reasons such as war, the ability to concentrate financial resources and human resources was limited, the number of large-scale construction works was not much. In addition to Tan Son Nhat airport, Saigon Bridge, Bien Hoa Highway, Dai Han Highway, in Saigon appeared a number of modern architectural works, considered the highlight of the inner city. Specifically, about 13 architectural works are considered valuable as the US Embassy Building (wiped out), Independence Palace (1966 – now Reunification Palace), Reunification Hospital (1972), Cho Hospital Ray (1974), Caravelle hotels (1957), Palace (1972), Rex (1959), Arc-en-ciel in Cholon, Institute of Cultural Exchange with France (IDECAF), Credit Bank on Ham Street Nghi, General Science Library (1967), Xa Loi Pagoda (1958), and Vinh Nghiem Pagoda (1971). The common feature of these buildings is modernity in design, building materials and adaptability. At this time, Saigon imported new building materials from the US and Japan such as betong, steel, aluminum, glass, stainless steel, ceramic tiles, artificial wood and modern interior equipment (elevators, machines, etc.). air conditioning), along with modern construction techniques and machinery, allows architects and engineers to build monumental, tall buildings. Even Vinh Nghiem pagoda compared to other pagodas at that time was considered to have a very modern design, using new building materials, functional space layouts that are very reasonable compared to traditional temples, especially the handling convection airflow to create ventilation, even though many people still do not feel frustrated and suffocated. In general, these works follow the school of “functionalism”, oriented to utility, used thoroughly in service of life, without cumbersome decoration, simple colors, clear architectural language, lines. decisively, by straight book. The decoration if any is not pure “aestheticism” but serves other functions. For example, the facade of Thong Nhat Hospital uses a wall of flowers and wind, not only beautifying but also shielding the sun and wind, contributing to highlight the block. It can be said that the construction works of this period influenced the American pragmatism “beauty is usefulness”, so there is almost no excess area and layout. Any space, whether narrow, aisle, a balcony, a doorway or a lawn, is carefully calculated and benefits the user. Bold traditional culture In these 12 buildings, most have the architecture of square or rectangular boxes stacked vertically like the Caravelle hotels, Palace, or arranged horizontally like the General Library, but they are intertwined. with each other and with the surrounding works is very harmonious, high aesthetic. Some modern architectural works but bring the spirit of traditional culture, for example, the front of the Independence Palace is designed in the shape of bamboo and bamboo sticks to both shade the sun, reduce heat from the outside, and both restrict direct views into the interior of the palace; or the front of the General Library is decorated with dragon mascots, stylized phoenixes. In fact, these works are not too unique in terms of architecture, but anyone who has the opportunity to visit will be impressed, because each work brings a few unforgettable images. For example, Thong Nhat Hospital gives the impression of a curved slope on both sides leading into the first floor with a large welcome roof in the entrance hall like an embrace, both convenient for patients and vehicles to access the hospital. , creating a beautiful, friendly landscape. Or the bevelled face of the Rex Hotel, the curved facade of the Palace Hotel also makes a strong impression. With the usefulness and reasonableness, after 1975 these works were put to use right to their original design functions. Due to development needs, at these locations, new projects were built in the Caravelle Hotel, or renovated the terrace at the Rex Hotel, other works were kept intact, just painted, repaired and maintained. . After more than 50 years, these works are still in good condition. In particular, in the process of embellishing and renovating the city, many old buildings have to be demolished, but these 12 works are still preserved, except for the entrance to Vinh Ngem pagoda, which has to be moved to 3m due to the expansion of the South Road Ky Khoi Nghia. After 1990, Ho Chi Minh City has sprung up many modern, high-rise constructions such as Bitexco, Landmark 81, and large apartment buildings of Vinhomes, Novaland … compared to it, 12 works before 1975 are very modest. . However, their images have been imprinted in the memories of many people, especially Saigonese residing overseas, and every time they return to their home country, they walk through these works to find their memories of a while. It is fair to say that these works are not only of historical value of a period, they are still of use and aesthetic value up to now. The academic and classic nature of their architecture and the authors deserve a place on HCMC’s list of structures in need of preservation, when in just fifty years they will become more precious heritage. 100 years old.

Tourists come to visit Hue heritage on 30/4 Tourists visit Hue Citadel There are 170 passengers on the charter train SE1 Hanoi – Hue to Hue at noon 30/4. After arriving in Hue, the group of tourists visited the Royal Palace, introduced the history and values ​​of architectural heritages, enjoyed some activities to recreate the activities of the Nguyen court. That was the guard change ceremony at Ngo Mon Gate, performing the Hue Royal Court Music at Duyet Thi Duong. The Department of Tourism and the Hue Monuments Conservation Center and the train tourism stimulus coalition have cooperated closely to have a plan to ensure safety against epidemics when organizing a group of tourists charter ships to visit. Hue. Train tourism stimulus program in 2021 with exploration tours, travel experience by train from Hanoi to the Central provinces (Quang Binh-Thua Thien Hue-Da Nang, rent a full train, each trip includes 12 beds, serving more than 300 guests). After the first charter train on the occasion of April 30-May 1, 2021, there will be from 6 to 8 trips held from here to August 2021. Mr. Le Huu Minh, Acting Director of the Department of Tourism of Thua Thien Hue Province, presents flowers to tourists Mr. Truong Quoc Hung, Chairman of the UNESCO Hanoi Travel Club, said: “When we went to Hue, we were instructed on civilized tourism behavior and applied very good anti-epidemic measures, from wearing a mask. page on the use of antiseptic water, the simplification of crowded places This is a good preparation for the Hue tourism industry.I am also happy to join the tour groups of the UNESCO Alliance Tourism companies. to Hue on this occasion./.