Po Rome Tower
The final hallmark of Cham tower art
Po Rome Tower was built in the Hau Sanh region to worship King Po Rome - a monarch remembered by the Cham community for his merits in harmonizing religious relations, managing irrigation, and protecting the lives of the residents. It is considered one of the latest towers in the architectural art of Cham temples in Vietnam.
Not as imposing as Po Klong Garai Tower, Po Rome Tower carries a more somber and intimate appearance. It is precisely this simplicity that highlights the spiritual depth of the monument: a space for worshiping the king and the memories of the dynasty, which also preserves many rare stone artifacts right within the heart of the tower.
From a large complex to the remaining tower
The remaining heritage of the Po Rome tower complex
According to surveys from the early 20th century, Po Rome Tower was once the center of a complex consisting of a main tower, a gate tower, and a fire tower. Over time, the two auxiliary structures collapsed, leaving only the main tower standing as a concentrated testament to the entire ancient complex.
This very reduction gives the experience of Po Rome Tower a distinct nuance: there are fewer layers of structures, but each remaining trace is more deeply imbued with a sense of nostalgia and conservation awareness. Standing before the tower, viewers not only see what remains but also perceive the silhouettes of what has been lost.
The Main Tower - a sacred space for worship
A late-period tower structure, more compact yet highly concentrated
The Main Tower of Po Rome has a base of approximately 7.04 x 7.04 meters and stands about 16.5 meters tall. Although not massive, the structure leaves an impression with its solid brick masonry, clear vertical rhythm, and the solemn atmosphere of the interior worship space.
For today's visitors, this is the most suitable place to recognize the late style of Cham tower architecture: compact proportions and more condensed forms, yet with a very deep layer of religious significance due to the system of statues and artifacts still preserved within the tower.
Statue of King Po Rome
Treasures in the heart of the tower
Inside the main tower sits the stone statue of Po Rome, about 1.2 meters tall, sculpted as a relief on a pointed arch stone stele. The king's statue in the form of a Mukhalinga placed on a large sandstone Yoni demonstrates the fusion between deity worship and the imagery of a revered king.
In front of the statue, there is also a small hole for inserting torches or candles during rituals. In 2020, the Po Rome King relief was recognized as a National Treasure, affirming the special value of the artifact in the Cham heritage repository.
Linga, stone Kut, and the Cham spiritual world
Unique symbols of Cham beliefs
Outside the tower, there is a Linga column about 1.3m tall and two stone Kuts with different patterns: one light gray Kut decorated with swirling vine motifs, and another featuring flame and four-petaled flower patterns. These are important remnants reflecting the rich spiritual life of the Cham people.
Each artifact at Po Rome Tower carries a layer of meaning. These are not merely stones, bricks, or ancient statues, but symbols tied to faith, protection, gratitude, and the ways in which the Cham community connects with the sacred world.
Kate and rituals at Po Rome Tower
Experience the atmosphere of traditional Cham festivals
At Po Rome Tower, many rituals take place annually, such as the Tower Opening Ceremony (Peh Bimbeng Yang ritual), the Rain Praying Ceremony (Yuer Yang ritual), the Kate Festival, and the ritual to worship the Mother Goddess Po Inu Nugar (Cambur ritual).
Most prominent is the Kate Festival, where the community commemorates gods, sacred kings, and ancestors, gives thanks to heaven and earth, and prays for favorable weather and good harvests. The festival takes place during the waxing moon starting from the 1st day of the 7th month of the Cham calendar and lasts for the entire month, which is why it is also known as Bilan Kate.
