Overview:

Ho Dynasty Citadel is a ruin site that stands as a reminder of the glory of the historic Ho Dynasty, which had a great influence on the politics and history of Vietnam. Built in the 14th century, the citadel acted as an ancient capital of Vietnam and is filled with terraces, ramparts, and many ancient structures. It is a prime example of the impact the Ho Dynasty had on the development of Vietnamese culture for centuries to come. The site was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 in recognition of its historical importance in the development of the country. It is a popular tourist attraction for those looking to gain a better understanding of Vietnamese history and is open to visitors every day. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Vietnam
Prominent Features:

-One of the largest and most complete surviving monuments of Southeast Asian military architecture. -Built between 1401 and 1431. -The Citadel boasts a sturdily-built perimeter wall stretching over 3.2km surrounding 20 massive fortified gates. -Building material used in construction is in the form of fired sand molded bricks and stone blocks. -A large raised terrace was built in the Citadel’s northern section. The terrace is composed of three floors, the top floor featuring two temples and two royal palaces. -A complex of Buddhist and Taoist temples, shrines, and other ritual structures are located throughout the Citadel. -Inside the Citadel is a lake where visitors can take part in boat rides to enjoy the breathtaking scenes of the Citadel. -The Citadel also contains a small amount of flora and fauna. This national monument of Vietnam portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Ho Dynasty Citadel is a unique example of Vietnamese architecture which is located in the province of Thanh Hoa in central Vietnam. The citadel was built in the 1397-1400 by Vietnamese Emperor Ho Quy Ly and his generals. It served as a capital for the Ho Dynasty, Vietnam’s first unified kingdom, and was the seat of the Vietnamese imperial court from 1407 to 1427. The Ho Citadel is triangular in shape, with bastions in the four cardinal directions. Its walls average 10 meters in height, and its interior is designed in a concentric, mandala-like, pattern. Its ramparts and walls are made of brick and earth, interspersed with stone. There are three walled enclosures; the outermost has two gates, one on each side, while its inner two have one gate apiece. Each enclosure has a separate gatehouse. The history of the Ho Citadel is closely linked to Vietnam’s history in general. In 1407, Emperor Ho Quy Ly declared himself lord and unified the country, making the Ho Citadel the seat of the new imperial court. Ho Quy Ly made great efforts to modernize the new kingdom, building a strong army and introducing reforms to all aspects of political, economic, and social life. The Ho Dynasty ruled Vietnam until 1427, when the Chinese Ming Dynasty invaded and occupied the kingdom. Today, the Ho Citadel remains an important symbol of Vietnam’s ancient culture and history, and is a major tourist attraction. The citadel has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in order to protect its important cultural, architectural, and historical significance. You must visit one of these historical places in Vietnam on your Vietnam tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Ho Dynasty Citadel was constructed between 1397 and 1407 by the Tran Dynasty to serve as the capital of the new Ho Dynasty. 2. The monument is recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage List as an important historical site in the region. 3. The Citadel is an impressive structure with huge walls up to 9 meters high and measuring almost 2 km in circumference. 4. Inside the Citadel there are four main structures, including a palace, two towers and a temple. 5. The Citadel is an impressive example of east Asian ancient military architecture and engineering. 6. The Citadel is enclosed by a 7km-long earthen wall flanked by four towers at the corners and 12 additional gates. 7. The Citadel is very well preserved and remains an important historical attraction in the area. 8. The Citadel is a popular tourist spot with a number of cultural festivals held at the site annually. 9. In 2010 the Citadel was honored as one of the most beautiful architectural monuments in Vietnam. Visit one of the famous monuments of Vietnam with your friends and family.