{"id":11376,"date":"2022-05-18T17:23:25","date_gmt":"2022-05-18T09:23:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/?p=11376"},"modified":"2022-05-18T18:15:58","modified_gmt":"2022-05-18T10:15:58","slug":"hue-citadel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/hue-citadel\/","title":{"rendered":"Hu\u1ebf Citadel: Discover The Nguy\u1ec5n Dynasty Buildings From The Gate To Home Of The 9 Cauldrons"},"content":{"rendered":"

Guide to the Hu\u1ebf Citadel<\/h2>\n
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As many wars happened throughout Vietnam’s history, many historical landmarks have been damaged or terribly destroyed. Our hot and humid climate also makes conservation more challenging.<\/p>\n

However, when visiting the\u00a0Hu\u1ebf Citadel<\/strong>, you can still admire many spectacular imperial buildings associated with the Nguy\u1ec5n dynasty, the last feudal dynasty in Vietnam’s history. In fact, this is the least damaged citadel in Vietnam today.<\/p>\n

In this guide, you will have a brief look at what to expect from the citadel, from spectacular buildings to the historical background behind them.<\/p>\n

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The layout of the Hu\u1ebf Citadel<\/h3>\n
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\"Hue
\nThe aerial view of the Hu\u1ebf Citadel in 1932 before many buildings were destroyed in the wartime<\/em>
\nImage credit: manhhai<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

As Hu\u1ebf was the capital of the country from the\u00a0 17th to the 20th centuries, its citadel had been well constructed during all that time. Inspired by the architecture of the Fortifications of Vauban in France, the Hu\u1ebf Citadel includes three layers of walls.<\/p>\n

The outermost wall covers an area named Kinh Th\u00e0nh<\/strong>. It was 6.6 meters high, and 21 meters thick with many star-shaped angles. People could get through this first layer by 8 main gates. You can easily recognize this wall as it is next to the Flag Tower.<\/p>\n

The middle wall covers a rectangular area called Ho\u00e0ng Th\u00e0nh<\/strong> or \u0110\u1ea1i N\u1ed9i<\/strong>. This is the area where you can find the most important buildings of the royal family and also the focus of this guide. Ng\u1ecd M\u00f4n is the most recognizable gate on this wall.<\/p>\n

The innermost wall protects T\u1eed C\u1ea5m Th\u00e0nh<\/strong>, or the Forbidden City, where the royal family lived and worked. You can get through this wall by \u0110\u1ea1i Cung M\u00f4n right behind Th\u00e1i H\u00f2a Palace.<\/p>\n

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1. The Flag Tower – used to signal royal occasions in the past<\/h3>\n
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\"Hue
\nThe Flag Tower is surrounded by a moat<\/em>
\nImage credit: Tr\u1ea7n Duy Hi\u1ec7p<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The very first thing you can see when going to the citadel is no other than its simple but iconic flag tower<\/strong>, which is opposite the southern gate and adjacent to the Perfume River. Originally dubbed the Nam Ch\u00e1nh Fortress, the Flag Tower consists of a metal pole erected on a 17.5-meter-high three-story concrete building. It was first built in 1807 and renovated later in 1829, 1831, and 1840.<\/p>\n

The pole was originally 30 meters high and was made of wood. However, it was then changed many times until the final metal version was erected in 1948, 3 years after the end of the Nguy\u1ec5n Dynasty.<\/p>\n

The flag tower was used to announce special royal occasions, most associated with a different flag. Apart from that, the V\u1ecdng \u0110\u1ea9u, or the Observatory, on the pole also allowed the soldiers to survey the shore from afar.<\/p>\n

\"Ngenh
\nPhu V\u0103n L\u00e2u and Ngh\u00eanh L\u01b0\u01a1ng \u0110\u00ecnh (farther) as seen from the Flag Tower<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/em>Thua Thien-Hue Portal<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

In addition, between the Flag Tower and the Perfume River are Phu V\u0103n L\u00e2u and Ngh\u00eanh L\u01b0\u01a1ng \u0110\u00ecnh. While Phu V\u0103n L\u00e2u was for announcing official edicts from the government, Ngh\u00eanh L\u01b0\u01a1ng \u0110\u00ecnh was a scenic resting stop for the emperors before their river trips. These two buildings are featured on the current VND50,000 banknote of Vietnam.<\/p>\n

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2. Ng\u1ecd M\u00f4n – the iconic southern gate of the citadel<\/h3>\n
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\"Ngo
\nNg\u1ecd M\u00f4n is currently the main gate of the Hu\u1ebf Citadel<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/em>Toan Le SPQN<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

You can start your journey across the citadel right at its iconic southern gate, Ng\u1ecd M\u00f4n<\/strong>, also known as the Meridian Gate or the Zenith Gate. This gate was once exclusively used by the emperor or distinguished guests.<\/p>\n

Though usually considered the symbol of the Hu\u1ebf Citadel, it was not yet built when the Nguy\u1ec5n Dynasty was established in 1802. Instead, Emperor Minh M\u1ea1ng had this gate constructed in 1833 in an effort to replan the citadel.<\/p>\n

\"Khai
\nEmperor Kh\u1ea3i \u0110\u1ecbnh leaving Ng\u1ecd M\u00f4n on a chariot on his 40th birthday anniversary in 1924<\/em>
\nImage credit: manhhai<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The gate has a U shape with a height of 5 meters and covers an area of approximately 1.560 square meters. The Ng\u0169 Ph\u01b0\u1ee3ng pavilion on top includes 100 ironwood pillars divided into two wings, and its roof is covered with glazed tiles with many delicate phoenix figures.<\/p>\n

The Ng\u1ecd M\u00f4n has been the venue of many important events in Vietnamese history, including the abdication of Emperor B\u1ea3o \u0110\u1ea1i<\/a>, ending the last feudal dynasty of Vietnam.<\/p>\n

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3. Th\u00e1i H\u00f2a Palace – the symbol of the emperor’s power<\/h3>\n
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\"Thai
\nTh\u00e1i H\u00f2a Palace before the renovation<\/em>
\nImage credit: VnExpress<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Going through the Ng\u1ecd M\u00f4n, you will see a bridge named Trung \u0110\u1ea1o, or the Bridge of Golden Waters, which was an exclusive path for the emperor. This bridge will lead you to one of the most significant palaces in the Hu\u1ebf Citadel – Th\u00e1i H\u00f2a Palace <\/strong>and the \u0110\u1ea1i Tri\u1ec1u Nghi Esplanade in front of it.<\/p>\n

The Th\u00e1i H\u00f2a Palace, meaning the Palace of Supreme Harmony, is the place where Nguy\u1ec5n emperors met his inferiors to discuss national matters. The place also witnessed the coronations of all Nguy\u1ec5n emperors as well as other important imperial ceremonies. In the past, only the emperors’ relatives and high-rank officials were allowed to step into the Th\u00e1i H\u00f2a Palace. The others had to stand on the \u0110\u1ea1i Tri\u1ec1u Nghi Esplanade.<\/p>\n

\"Throne
\nThe emperor’s throne inside Th\u00e1i H\u00f2a Palace<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/em>manhhai<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

When entering the Th\u00e1i H\u00f2a, you will be enthralled by the intricate decorative patterns. Around the palace, pillars, walls, and the floor were painted with a specific paint, illuminated with dragon images representing the emperors, and gilded with gold. Interestingly, in the middle of the palace, you will see the emperor’s throne, which is a national treasure of Vietnam.<\/p>\n

\"Thai
\nTh\u00e1i H\u00f2a Palace during the renovation<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/em>VnExpress<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Th\u00e1i H\u00f2a Palace was first built in 1805 under Emperor Gia Long’s reign, then renovated many times under his successors’ reign. After the Vietnam War, the palace was enhanced many times. The palace is currently under a massive renovation which is expected to be complete in August 2025.<\/p>\n

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4. C\u1ea7n Ch\u00e1nh and C\u00e0n Th\u00e0nh Palaces – the emperor’s workplace and dining hall<\/h3>\n
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\"Dai
\n\u0110\u1ea1i Cung M\u00f4n, the door of the Forbidden City<\/em>
\nImage credit: manhhai<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

If you keep going northward, you will reach T\u1eed C\u1ea5m Th\u00e0nh, the Forbidden City. It is separated from the Th\u00e1i H\u00f2a Palace by the \u0110\u1ea1i Cung M\u00f4n, meaning the Gate of Grand Palaces.<\/p>\n

\"Can
\nC\u1ea7n Ch\u00e1nh Palace before it was destroyed<\/em>
\nImage credit: manhhai<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

First built in 1804 as the Cung Th\u00e0nh,\u00a0 meaning the Grand Palaces, the Forbidden City was a complex of many palaces constructed throughout the dynasty. It was located on a large rectangular piece of land with every side about 300 meters long. The city was surrounded by a 3.72-meter high and 0.72-meter thick wall.<\/p>\n

\"Inside
\nThe interior of C\u1ea7n Ch\u00e1nh Palace
\nImage credit: manhhai<\/a><\/p>\n

You may find the locations of many palaces where the royal family used to live and work. In fact, right behind the \u0110\u1ea1i Cung M\u00f4n, you will see the floor of C\u1ea7n Ch\u00e1nh Palace<\/strong> and B\u00e1i M\u1ea1ng Esplanade, which were the working place of the emperor on less formal occasions.<\/p>\n

On the two sides of B\u00e1i M\u1ea1ng Esplanade were H\u1eefu Vu and T\u1ea3 Vu which served as the waiting rooms for officials before meeting the emperor.<\/p>\n

Behind the C\u1ea7n Ch\u00e1nh Palace was the C\u00e0n Th\u00e0nh Palace<\/strong>, where the emperors dined. Around the C\u00e0n Th\u00e0nh Palace were numerous smaller palaces where princes and princesses lived as well as the halls where high-ranked officials worked.<\/p>\n

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5. Living halls and palaces of the royal family<\/h3>\n
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\"Duyet
\nThe stage of Duy\u1ec7t Th\u1ecb \u0110\u01b0\u1eddng<\/em>
\nImage credit: Lam Cao<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Duy\u1ec7t Th\u1ecb \u0110\u01b0\u1eddng<\/strong>, the imperial theater, is to the left of C\u00e0n Th\u00e0nh Palace. It was constructed in the 1820s, replacing a former theater on the same site. Today, it is regarded as the oldest theater in Vietnam.<\/p>\n

\"Kien
\nKi\u1ebfn Trung Palace before it was destroyed<\/em>
\nImage credit: manhhai<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Keep going northward, and you will see the locations of the Kh\u00f4n Th\u00e1i and Ki\u1ebfn Trung Palaces<\/strong>. While the former was the residence of the First Queen, the latter was a Western building where Emperor Kh\u1ea3i \u0110\u1ecbnh worked. Scattered around these two buildings were the smaller halls where princes and princesses were educated, a study, and a garden of the emperor.<\/p>\n

\"Thai
\nTh\u00e1i B\u00ecnh L\u00e2u, the reading place of the emperors<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/em>kozo nagai<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, most of these buildings were heavily damaged or completely destroyed due to the scorched-earth military tactics during wartime. For now, you can visit Duy\u1ec7t Th\u1ecb \u0110\u01b0\u1eddng, or the theater, and Th\u00e1i B\u00ecnh L\u00e2u, or the emperor’s study until other buildings are reconstructed.<\/p>\n

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6. The Queen Mothers’ residences\u00a0 – an area meant for relaxation<\/h3>\n
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\"Cung_Truong_Sanh\"
\nThe front of Tr\u01b0\u1eddng Sanh Palace<\/em>
\nImage credit: Vinhtantran\/Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

From the Forbidden City, if you keep going to the northwest, you will come to the palaces where the empresses and mistresses used to live.<\/p>\n

To the northwestern corner of the citadel is the Tr\u01b0\u1eddng Sanh Hall<\/strong> where the Queen Mothers and Grand Queen Mothers used to live. The Hall was first built in 1821 as a garden for the emperors’ mothers and grandmothers to hang out.<\/p>\n

That’s why when coming here, you will find many false hills and a crescent artificial creek, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere for the whole hall.<\/p>\n

\"Dien
\nThe long hallway connecting three buildings of the Di\u00ean Th\u1ecd Hall, creating a wang (\u738b)-shaped complex<\/em>
\nImage credit: Di\u1ec7p H\u1ed3 V\u0103n<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Similarly, to the south of Tr\u01b0\u1eddng Sanh Hall is Di\u00ean Th\u1ecd Hall<\/strong>, another place for the Queen Mothers. This Hall was built in 1804 as the residence of Hi\u1ebfu Khang, the Queen Mother of the Founding Emperor Gia Long.<\/p>\n

Covering a large area of 17,500 square meters with lots of smaller halls, pavilions, and palaces, it is the most complicated and the most intact existing building complex inside the citadel.<\/p>\n

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7. Th\u1ebf T\u1ed5 Mi\u1ebfu – home of the nine famous tripod cauldrons<\/h3>\n
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\"Th\u1ebf_Mi\u1ebfu_(Hu\u1ebf)\"
\nTh\u1ebf T\u1ed5 Mi\u1ebfu, or Th\u1ebf Mi\u1ebfu for short, are the worshipping place of 10 Nguy\u1ec5n emperors<\/em>
\nImage credit: L\u01b0u Ly\/Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

To the south of the Queen Mothers’ residences, you may find a group of temples for worshipping the Nguy\u1ec5n ancestors. Among them, the most attractive one is Th\u1ebf T\u1ed5 Mi\u1ebfu<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The temple was first built in 1821 under the reign of emperor Minh M\u1ea1ng to worship Gia Long, his father. Th\u1ebfT\u1ed5 Mi\u1ebfu, together with Th\u00e1i T\u1ed5 Mi\u1ebfu worshipping the Nguy\u1ec5n Lords, were the largest among all temples, though the latter is now destroyed. The Th\u00e1i T\u1ed5 Mi\u1ebfu include smaller halls and pavilions, all cleverly refurbished with delicate flower details and vivid figures. The builders also used bricks and tiles from the famous B\u00e1t Tr\u00e0ng Village<\/a> in Hanoi.<\/p>\n

Inside Th\u1ebf T\u1ed5 Mi\u1ebfu, you will find the altars of 10 Nguy\u1ec5n emperors, including H\u00e0m Nghi, Th\u00e0nh Th\u00e1i, and Duy T\u00e2n, the three emperors who were not allowed to be worshipped here until 1958 due to their resistance to the French colonialists. The three emperors D\u1ee5c \u0110\u1ee9c, Hi\u1ec7p H\u00f2a, and B\u1ea3o \u0110\u1ea1i are not worshipped here.<\/p>\n

\"Nine
\nC\u1eedu \u0110\u1ec9nh is the artistic paragon of the Nguy\u1ec5n Dynasty handicrafts
\nImage credit: Klemens Heinrich Martin<\/a><\/p>\n

Moreover, you should not miss the C\u1eedu \u0110\u1ec9nh, the nine sacred cauldrons put evenly on the yard between Th\u00e1i T\u1ed5 Mi\u1ebfu and Hi\u1ec3n L\u00e2m C\u00e1c. They are nine bronze cauldrons made at Emperor Minh M\u1ea1ng’s behest.<\/p>\n

Each cauldron was decorated with different local images such as flowers, plants, animals, natural phenomena, rivers, weapons and means of transport. Each cauldron has a distinctive name, weighs about 4 tonnes and is about 2.5 meters tall.<\/p>\n

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The Hu\u1ebf Citadel<\/h3>\n
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Hu\u1ebf Citadel is a massive imperial building complex where you can explore many aspects of the last dynasty in Vietnam’s history. Though many of them have been destroyed due to harsh wartime conditions, the remaining halls and palaces are all gems filled with historical and aesthetic values.<\/p>\n

With more investments from the government and non-governmental organizations, the reconstruction of many lost buildings is now underway.<\/p>\n

The Hu\u1ebf Citadel
\n<\/strong>Address: <\/span><\/strong>23 th\u00e1ng 8 Street, Thu\u1eadn H\u00f2a Ward, Hu\u1ebf City, Th\u1eeba Thi\u00ean-Hu\u1ebf Province
\nOpening hours: <\/span><\/strong>8AM-5.30PM, Daily
\nTicket prices: <\/span>VND250,000 (~USD10.81)<\/strong> for adults, VND40,000 (~USD1.73)<\/strong> for children.
\nTickets for extended tours to the emperors’ tombs are available from VND400,000 (~USD17.3).<\/strong>
\nTelephone: <\/span><\/strong>0234 35 23 237
\nHu\u1ebf Citadel’s official website<\/a>, ticket page<\/a>, and Facebook page<\/a><\/p>\n

Also check out:<\/p>\n