Bà Kiệu Temple

Bà Kiệu Temple, with the formal name Thiên Tiên điện, is a temple located on the eastern edge of Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Hà Nội, diagonally opposite the gate of Ngọc Sơn Temple. The temple venerates three goddesses: Princess Liễu Hạnh, Quỳnh Hoa, and Quế Nương.

According to the Thăng Long Cổ Tích Khảo, the temple was built during the Lê dynasty, under the Vĩnh Tộ era (1619–28), and was expanded further during the Cảnh Hưng era. In the Tây Sơn period, under the reign of Cảnh Thịnh, the temple cast a large bell. During the reign of Emperor Tự Đức, the temple was renovated once more.

When the French occupied Hà Nội and expanded the streets around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, the location of Bà Kiệu Temple was requisitioned. In 1891, the second year of the Thành Thái era, part of the temple's land had to be handed over to the government to construct "Boulevard Francis Garnier" (after 1954, Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street). The road cut through the temple complex, dividing it in two: the western tam quan gate (triple-arched entrance) stood by the lakeside, while the main ceremonial hall, pavilion, and sanctuary were situated on the eastern side of the road.

The architecture of Bà Kiệu Temple bears the style of the Nguyễn dynasty. Antiquities preserved at the temple include the incense altar, decorative arch, worship cabinet, as well as royal decrees from previous dynasties.