Royal Citadels
The Royal Citadels in Hué, the old imperial capital of the Southern Kingdom, are a masterpiece of architecture and, along with the tombs on the southern side of the Perfume River, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
There are three citadels, whose ramparts were built one inside the other, protected by the Perfume River, a system of moats and the Ngu Binh Mountain. Construction of the Kinh Thanh (Capital), which lies on the outside, started in 1805 and was completed in 1832 under the reign of Emperor Ming Mang. There are 10km of ramparts, six metres high with ten entrances, and 24 bastions for defence. The emperor's official functions took place here.
The next citadel within this one is the Hoang Thang (Royal Citadel), which housed the highest offices of Vietnam's feudal system. Perfectly square, it measures 600 metres down each side, and access is via four gates - the Noon Gate was for the emperor only. There are various palaces for ceremonies, storehouses, shrines, and a palace with a garden, reserved for the princes to study in.
Tu Can Thamh (Forbidden Citadel or City) is the central section, and was constructed in 1804 during the reign of Emperor Gia Long'rein. It was reserved for the emperor's private life.
From the Imperial City you get a good view of the Flag Tower, really three flat-topped pyramids, one on top of the other. Measuring 17.4 metres high with a 29.52m flagstaff on top, this is the focal point of the city.
Related Information
Website: Vietnam Online Website
Website: Tamarind Tours Website
| Venue Information: | Royal Citadels |
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| Full Name: | |
| The Royal Citadels in Hué, the old imperial capital of the Southern Kingdom, are a masterpiece of architecture and, along with the tombs on the southern side of the Perfume River, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. | |
| There are three citadels, whose ramparts were built one inside the other, protected by the Perfume River, a system of moats and the Ngu Binh Mountain. Construction of the Kinh Thanh (Capital), which lies on the outside, started in 1805 and was completed in 1832 under the reign of Emperor Ming Mang. There are 10km of ramparts, six metres high with ten entrances, and 24 bastions for defence. The emperor's official functions took place here. The next citadel within this one is the Hoang Thang (Royal Citadel), which housed the highest offices of Vietnam's feudal system. Perfectly square, it measures 600 metres down each side, and access is via four gates - the Noon Gate was for the emperor only. There are various palaces for ceremonies, storehouses, shrines, and a palace with a garden, reserved for the princes to study in. Tu Can Thamh (Forbidden Citadel or City) is the central section, and was constructed in 1804 during the reign of Emperor Gia Long'rein. It was reserved for the emperor's private life. From the Imperial City you get a good view of the Flag Tower, really three flat-topped pyramids, one on top of the other. Measuring 17.4 metres high with a 29.52m flagstaff on top, this is the focal point of the city. | |
| Directions: | Situated on the northern bank of the Perfume River. |
| Name: | Vietnam Tourist Office |
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| Location: | Vietnam |
| Email: | titc@vietnamtourism-info.com |
