The Literature Temple (Van Mieu) was constructed in 1070 during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong to worship Confucius. This is also the first national university of Vietnam, a Confucian academy, first for the princes and mandarin only, but later distinction students of ordinary families also being accepted. This place also honored 82 doctorates who had passed through a number of rigid exams held here in feudal ages. Their names, birthdays and birthplaces are engraved in 82 headstones perched on crafted tortoises. It is well believed that touching the heads of these tortoises will bring luck.
