UNESCO recognised the Ho Dynasty Citadel in the central province of Thanh Hoa as a World Cultural Heritage site on June 27.
Located in the two communes of Vinh Tien and Vinh Long in Vinh Loc district, the citadel measures 870m by 883m and was built in 1397.
The citadel's construction was supervised by the Tran dynasty's top mandarin, Ho Quy Ly, who later occupied the citadel when he forcibly took the throne in 1400, changing the country's name from Dai Viet to Dai Ngu.
Ho Quy Ly's rise to power began the short-lived Ho dynasty, and that is why the citadel is still known as the Ho Dynasty Citadel.
Also known as the Tay Do Citadel, the ancient building is famous for being strategically located in a position that can ensure it is easily defended. The citadel is shielded by a mountain range to the north, while the Ma River runs to its west and the Buoi River to the south, creating a huge natural moat.
Unlike many other citadels that were built from bricks, the Ho Dynasty Citadel was built with huge stone slabs sourced from nearby mountains. It features four arched entrances facing east, west, north and south.
The large stone slabs required a new building technique that saw workers install the slabs without the use of any mortar. The citadel buildings represent an outstanding example of a new style of South-East Asian imperial city.
The citadel's grounds include the Hoang Nguyen, Dien Tho and Dong Cung palaces, which were linked by roads paved with stone.
The citadel itself includes constructions such as the Dan Nam Giao (a platform used for offerings to the heavens), Dong Mon communal house and Tam Tong temple among other structures.
However, after several centuries, almost all of the citadel's main structures have been seriously damaged, while the wall and four main entrances are still preserved well.
Although the Ho Dynasty only lasted from 1400 to 1407, Emperor Ho left a significant legacy. He is credited for pioneering the circulation of banknotes in Vietnam, expanding the network of schools and promoting the use of the Vietnamese Nom ideographic script.
With UNESCO recognition of the Ho Dynasty Citadel, Vietnam now have seven World Heritage sites, including Hoi An ancient town in Quang Nam province, the former royal capital of Hue, My Son sanctuary, Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, and Thang Long-Hanoi Citadel remains./.
Located in the two communes of Vinh Tien and Vinh Long in Vinh Loc district, the citadel measures 870m by 883m and was built in 1397.
The citadel's construction was supervised by the Tran dynasty's top mandarin, Ho Quy Ly, who later occupied the citadel when he forcibly took the throne in 1400, changing the country's name from Dai Viet to Dai Ngu.
Ho Quy Ly's rise to power began the short-lived Ho dynasty, and that is why the citadel is still known as the Ho Dynasty Citadel.
Also known as the Tay Do Citadel, the ancient building is famous for being strategically located in a position that can ensure it is easily defended. The citadel is shielded by a mountain range to the north, while the Ma River runs to its west and the Buoi River to the south, creating a huge natural moat.
Unlike many other citadels that were built from bricks, the Ho Dynasty Citadel was built with huge stone slabs sourced from nearby mountains. It features four arched entrances facing east, west, north and south.
The large stone slabs required a new building technique that saw workers install the slabs without the use of any mortar. The citadel buildings represent an outstanding example of a new style of South-East Asian imperial city.
The citadel's grounds include the Hoang Nguyen, Dien Tho and Dong Cung palaces, which were linked by roads paved with stone.
The citadel itself includes constructions such as the Dan Nam Giao (a platform used for offerings to the heavens), Dong Mon communal house and Tam Tong temple among other structures.
However, after several centuries, almost all of the citadel's main structures have been seriously damaged, while the wall and four main entrances are still preserved well.
Although the Ho Dynasty only lasted from 1400 to 1407, Emperor Ho left a significant legacy. He is credited for pioneering the circulation of banknotes in Vietnam, expanding the network of schools and promoting the use of the Vietnamese Nom ideographic script.
With UNESCO recognition of the Ho Dynasty Citadel, Vietnam now have seven World Heritage sites, including Hoi An ancient town in Quang Nam province, the former royal capital of Hue, My Son sanctuary, Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, and Thang Long-Hanoi Citadel remains./.
