Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a complex of relics associated with the history of Thang Long – Hanoi. This is a massive structure, which was built in many dynasties in the history and becomes the most important monument in Vietnam.
Location & History
The relic is located in Ba Dinh District with an area of more than 18000 ha, containing a lot of important historical sites.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long was built in 1009 after Ly Cong Uan King – the founder of Ly Dynasty, removed the capital from Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) to Dai La ( Hanoi now).
Experiencing a lot of ups and downs of the history, from Ly Dynasty, Tran Dynasty, Mac Dynasty, Nguyen Dynasty to Indochina War time until today, it was demolished and rebuilt many times under different dynasties. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, nowadays, is a lively witness of a length of history more than 10 centuries.
Attractions
- Archaeological Area No. 18 Hoang Dieu Str
After archaeological Area No. 18 Hoang Dieu Str was excavated, archaeologists discovered a huge amount of different types of monuments and relics which have the mixed dating, overlaying throughout 1300 years.
You can see clearly every historical layer of Vietnam through the levels of the archaeological site.
Each layer is the trace of the typical architecture of Vietnam feudal dynasties with fussy sophisticated designs, bearing sharply culture and tradition.
- Kinh Thien Palace
Kinh Thien Palace is the central monument in the complex of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. This is the most important palace, place to celebrate the most solemn ceremonies of the court, to welcome foreign ambassadors and to discuss the important problems of the nation.
- North Gate
North Gate is the work built under Nguyen Dynasty including the upstairs and the wall.
North Gate was built to prevent the attack of the enemy, however, it did not resist the attack of French Army. Outside North Gate the trace of two powerful artilleries of French Colonialism when they used warships to attack Hanoi from Red River.
