Fortress (citadel) of Hanoi

Description and is it worth a visit

Hanoi fortress (Hanoi Citadel, Hanoi Citadel or Imperial Citadel of Thang Long) is a relatively new historical landmark of the capital Vietnam. The fact is that until recently the fortress was an active Army facility, and only in 2010 it opened its doors to tourists, while becoming the largest and one of the most interesting attractions in Hanoi. Then, in 2010, the citadel was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Strangely enough, until now this attraction is little known and little visited by foreign tourists. There is not much information about it on tourist websites and in tourist publications. Meanwhile, this place can be put on one of the first places among Hanoi attractions, and be sure to include it in your program of visiting the capital.

It was erected in 1010 during the reign of the imperial dynasty Li (Ly), as an imperial fortress. Hanoi was called Thang Long at the time, hence the other name of the fortress Imperial Citadel of Thang Long . The fortress was imperial until 1810, when the capital moved to Hue City. At the end of the 19th century, under the colonial rule of the French, the buildings of the complex, built in their original form, were almost completely destroyed. Work on the restoration of the Citadel actively began to be carried out only in the 21st century. Today, The Citadel is not presented in the form in which it was built, but the exhibitions on the territory of the museum give an idea of its historical past.

The entrance to the fortress is through the Doan Mon Gate, which is located on the south side (from the side of the Military Museum and the Hanoi flag tower, but first you need to get to the parking lot through the gate, which is on the west side of the complex). The territory of the complex is quite extensive, and for its full inspection it is worth allocating at least 3-4 hours, and preferably half a day. Most of the museum's exhibits are restored architectural structures, but there are also several pavilions with exhibits that are independent museums of a certain theme and historical period. You do not need to pay extra for admission to these museums. On the north side of the complex is the northern gate, which can only be viewed from the outside, since behind them are the administrative and residential buildings of the military.

The other part of the complex, the Archaeological Park, is separate from the main complex, across the road on the West Side. To get there, you will first have to leave the fortress, cross the road, and re-enter the complex, showing tickets. Unfortunately, in the Archaeological Park (not in the complex itself, namely in the Archaeological Park), photo and video shooting is prohibited, but if you are careful, you can.

It is best to inspect the complex, moving along the route on the plan shown on the entrance tickets. So you will not miss anything interesting, and complete the review with a visit to the Archaeological Park.

Photos Of The Citadel Of Hanoi

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