In the long flow of Vietnamese history, the Mạc dynasty represents a unique chapter full of upheaval and enduring legacy. Although this dynasty reigned for just over six decades, what it left behind significantly contributed to the nation’s economic, cultural, and social development during the medieval period. One of the most vivid and tangible legacies of this era is the Mạc Dynasty Memorial Complex—a historical, cultural, and architectural site located in Ngu Doan commune, Kien Thuy district, Hai Phong city. This site is regarded as the first capital of the coastal people, established by the Mạc dynasty.
Mạc Đăng Dung – From Warrior to Emperor
Mạc Đăng Dung was born in 1483 in Co Trai village, Nghi Duong district, former Hai Duong province—now Co Trai village, Ngu Doan commune, Kien Thuy district, Hai Phong city. Coming from a humble background, he stood out thanks to his exceptional martial arts skills and strategic mind. Rising from a strongman champion to a top-ranking military official, he played a key role in the imperial court of the declining Lê dynasty.
During a time of political turmoil and civil unrest, Mạc Đăng Dung was appointed to guard Hai Duong. He later quelled a rebellion in Thang Long (present-day Hanoi) and was rewarded with high-ranking titles. In June 1527, he officially took the throne, establishing the Mạc dynasty with the reign title Minh Đức.
In 1529, he abdicated in favor of his son, Mạc Đăng Doanh, becoming the Retired Emperor. He then returned to his homeland of Co Trai to build the Mạc stronghold—regarded as the dynasty’s first capital. The Mạc dynasty officially lasted until 1592, through five emperors. However, its descendants continued to resist the Later Lê dynasty from the northern highlands of Cao Bằng until 1677.
Key Achievements of the Mạc Dynasty
During their reign, the Mạc rulers helped stabilize the country and boost development. Unlike the Lê dynasty’s restrictive economic policies, the Mạc adopted a more open attitude toward both domestic and foreign trade. Markets and ports flourished, contributing to a vibrant commodity economy. The dynasty’s blue-and-white ceramics from Bát Tràng and Nam Sách were of such high quality that they were exported throughout the region.
Culturally and educationally, the Mạc dynasty retained the imperial examination system, held every three years to recruit talented officials. Remarkably, they were open to allowing women to participate—an unusually progressive policy for a feudal regime.
Folk culture also blossomed during this period, and the Mạc rulers contributed to the preservation and development of traditional Vietnamese arts and customs.
The Mạc Dynasty Memorial – A Living Monument to History
To honor the legacy of the Mạc family and preserve its historical and cultural values, the Mạc Dynasty Memorial Complex was officially constructed in 2009 in Co Trai village. Previously, in 2004, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism recognized the Mạc Ancestral House in Co Trai as a National Historical and Cultural Site.
The complex features a distinctive style of Vietnamese feudal architecture. The most recognizable elements are its wooden structures, including the main hall, side halls (Tả Vu and Hữu Vu), and grand gates adorned with finely carved stone statues of lions, unicorns, and dragons. While many original wooden components no longer exist, the essence of the structure has been carefully preserved.
The central hall consists of three parts: the Tiền điện (front hall with seven compartments), the Thiêu hương (incense hall), and the Hậu cung (rear sanctuary with five compartments). One of the architectural highlights is the semi-circular lake and the Ngũ Tiền Môn (Five-Gate Pavilion), considered the symbolic "gateway" to the Mạc dynasty. It includes both inner and outer ceremonial gates built with four columns, three compartments, two tiers, and four curved roofs, creating a sacred and solemn space.
Two auxiliary buildings, called giải vũ, stand opposite each other within the memorial complex. These serve as resting places for visitors and are symbolically seen as shelters offering protection and blessing from the Mạc ancestors.
Various mythical creatures such as dragons, qilins, crocodiles, and turtles are featured in intricate decorations throughout the site—on bricks, altars, statues, and especially on steles and ancestral figures. These elements highlight the artistic sophistication of the era.
National Treasures and Humanistic Value
One of the most treasured artifacts housed in the central hall is the Định Nam Đao, the battle sword once wielded by Mạc Đăng Dung himself. With over 500 years of history, the sword was recognized as a National Treasure by the Prime Minister on January 15, 2020, and is now proudly displayed at the memorial.
Beyond its historical significance, the memorial serves an important educational and cultural role. Every year, during the Lunar New Year, the Opening Pen Ceremony (Lễ hội Khai bút đầu xuân) is held with great solemnity. The event gathers representatives from the Mạc family councils of Vietnam, Hai Phong, and Hanoi, along with thousands of descendants and local and international visitors—including many outstanding students from Hai Phong’s top schools.
This festival honors the memory of the Mạc ancestors and instills a spirit of learning, patriotism, and historical awareness in the younger generations. It serves as a bridge between the past and present, reminding all Vietnamese of their rich cultural heritage.
The Mạc Dynasty Memorial Complex is not only a cultural and historical landmark of Hai Phong but also a vibrant embodiment of a once-glorious dynasty that contributed significantly to the nation’s development. With its profound historical value, unique architecture, and role in nurturing national identity and education, the site deserves to be recognized as a sacred cultural destination in Vietnam. Preserving and promoting its legacy is a responsibility shared by all generations.