A Nậu Pagoda is located in Binh Khang Street, Ninh Khanh Ward, Hoa Lu City. Recognized as a national historical site, the pagoda was built during the Trần Dynasty on a spacious and airy piece of land at the foot of Thiệu Mountain (also known as Sệu Mountain). Its architecture follows the "Đinh" (丁) character layout, facing northeast, consisting of the Front Hall (Tiền bái) and the Main Hall (Tam bảo). Additional structures, reflecting the architectural styles of the late Lê and early Nguyễn dynasties, include the three-entrance gate (Tam quan), the ancestral house (Nhà tổ), the guest house (Nhà khách), the tower garden (Vườn tháp), and the shrine (Phủ).

The Tam Quan gate is built in a two-tiered, four-roofed "chồng diêm" style, with its roof covered in Nam tiles. The corners of the upper roof are adorned with sculpted leaf motifs extending upwards.

The Name of the Pagoda

           According to ancient writing conventions, the character "A" means "small and flat," while "Nậu" refers to a farming tool used for weeding rice fields and loosening soil. The name A Nậu likely originates from an agricultural implement that was common during the Trần Dynasty. This area was also the estate of Princess Trần Ngọc Một.

Some believe that A Nậu Pagoda was founded by Emperor Trần Thái Tông, as this land served as a refuge for the virtuous traditions of the Trần Dynasty. Additionally, the site was historically known as Chùa Sệu, a name derived from the old Nôm word for the sệu bird (a type of crane). During the Later Lê and Nguyễn Dynasties, Sệu was changed to Thiệu, and Chùa Sệu became Chùa Thiệu. Historical records in Hán-Nôm script related to the site continue to refer to it as Thiệu.

             A Nậu Pagoda exudes an ancient and timeworn charm, with moss-covered structures adding to its historic beauty. The ends of the beams on the front porch are intricately and exquisitely carved with dragon motifs, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.

            In addition to worshipping Buddha, A Nậu Pagoda also honors Princess Trần Ngọc Một, a historical figure closely connected to the site.

             Archaeological discoveries within the pagoda complex have uncovered fragments of bricks inscribed with "Đại Việt Quốc Quân Thành Chuyên" and lotus-patterned bricks from the Đinh–Lê period. These findings provide valuable insights into the architectural structures beyond the Hoa Lư Citadel, offering a clearer understanding of the surrounding areas of the imperial capital in the 10th century.

              A Nậu Pagoda preserves numerous valuable cultural artifacts, including worship statues, Hán-Nôm documents, a bronze bell cast during the reign of Emperor Minh Mệnh, ancient ritual objects, and stone steles engraved on the mountain cliffs. One such stele records that Emperor Trần Thái Tông founded the pagoda and allocated land for its upkeep. The site also embodies traditional Vietnamese architectural artistry.

             During the nine-year resistance against French colonial rule (1945–1954), A Nậu Pagoda and the Ninh Khánh mountain area served as a revolutionary base. In the resistance against American aggression, the site housed the provincial and central postal services. During U.S. bombings in the North, the mountain peak near the pagoda functioned as an observation post, where sentries kept watch day and night to warn villagers of incoming attacks.

            With its rich historical and cultural significance, A Nậu Pagoda was recognized as a national historical site in 1999. Since then, it has been regularly restored, preserved, and developed to be cherished for generations to come.