The Temple of Literature is a temple of Confucius. It was built in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong. It was Vietnam’s first university for nobles, bureaucrats, and the elite. Only men were able to attend. One Of Hanoi’s historical and ancient sites. It displays among other things a series of 82 stone posts/ steles (each representing a set of exams) of doctors who graduated there between 1442 and 1779. The stone posts are on the back of large stone turtles. The Turtle (Quy, 龜) is one of the nation’s four holy creatures – the others are the Dragon (Long, 龍), the Unicorn (Ly, 麟) and the Phoenix (Phượng, 鳳). The turtle is a symbol of longevity and wisdom. The shape and size of the turtle changed with the passage of time. Around the several courtyards are bonsais and lotus ponds. Spent an enjoyable, quiet afternoon there away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I just love the architecture.