HA NOI -- (VNS) Two ancient Cham towers in southern Ninh Thuan Province have been restored at a total cost of more than VND27 million (US$1.3 million) from the State budget.

Porome, the second major tower, will be restored - Photo ninhthuan.gov.vn

The Poklong Garai Tower, built by the Champa kingdom between the last half of the 13th century and early 14th century, is considered as a symbol of Phan Rang City. It's an important relic and tourist attraction and also features three smaller towers, including the Cong, Lua and Chinh towers which range from 8.5 metres to 21.5 metres in height.

Chinh Tower was where Cham King Poklong Garai was worshipped. The restoration work on this site included building a new floor and stairs leading up the towers, along with installation of lighting and water supply systems and contraction of a reception house.

The towers are considered as valuable architectural works. Each floor and side is decorated with ceramics and stones in different shapes, some showing humans, dragons and leaf designs that provide insights into the artistic and religious lives of the Cham people.

The second major tower to be restored was the Porome Tower, one of the biggest Cham towers in the region. It was built in the 17th century on a high hill in Ninh Phuoc District. The restoration work on this tower, including installation of water and electricity supplies, is expected to be complete in time for the Cham people's Kate Festival to be held at the Po Sah Inu Tower in Phan Thiet from October 6-7.

A leader of the provincial Department of Culture, Sport and Tourism said the two towers had degraded during the past several years and the restoration work was expected to protect and conserve the towers' value as examples of national cultural heritage.

Lo Phu Luong, an ethnic Cham who works as a guard at the Porome Tower, said the tower's restoration was necessary as the tower was seriously degraded.

"We Cham people are really happy about this work," said Luong. "Thanks to support from the State and Government, we now have a place of worship." -- VNS