The city of Hue was established as the national capital of unified Vietnam in 1802 till 1945 under the Nguyen Dynasty (Vietnam's last royal dynasty). In 1805, Gia Long, its first emperor ordered the construction of an Imperial Citadel after royal geomancers had decreed an auspicious geographical location on the northern bank of the Perfume River.
Although it was much destroyed during the wars, few of the original structures remain intact. With its rich historical vestige values, it was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites on 11th December, 1993- labelled as 'Complex of Hué Monuments'.
The massive complex, square in shape, has a total area of 520 hectares, comprising of three concentric ramparts: Capital, Royal/Imperial and Forbidden Citadels.
Although it was much destroyed during the wars, few of the original structures remain intact. With its rich historical vestige values, it was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites on 11th December, 1993- labelled as 'Complex of Hué Monuments'.
The massive complex, square in shape, has a total area of 520 hectares, comprising of three concentric ramparts: Capital, Royal/Imperial and Forbidden Citadels.
1. Capital Citadel (Kinh Thanh)
During imperial times, this area used to accommodate various imperial ministerial buildings. Today, it constitutes a pleasant park with beautiful garden landscapes.
Flanking the sides of two entrance gates (Ngan Gate and Quang Duc Gate) are The Nine Holy Cannon (cửu vị thần công); cast from melted bronze wares of the previous Tay So Dynasty. These cannons were never used for military purposes, they were only used as protectors of the citadel. All the nine cannons are 5.10m in length but each cannon varies in weight and were named after the 4 seasons of the year (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) and 5 elements of the universe (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth).
Between the two gates is the Flag Tower or Cot Co, built in 1807. Towering 37m into the skyline with the national Vietnamese flag flapping in the wind, a focal point of Hue.
2.Royal/Imperial Citadel (Hoang Thanh)
Located in the center of the Citadel Complex, a second moat and defensive walls within the complex, the Royal Citadel is the most important part of the whole Imperial Complex.
Built in 1833, Ngo Mon Gate (午門) literally meaning Noon Gate is the main entrance to the Royal citadel. Two of the entrances are the entry and exit points for visitors (used by court officials and mandarins in the past). Entrance tickets are sold here. The middle entrance (accessible only by the Emperor in the past) is closed.
During imperial times, the emperor would address or receive homage from his officials and people at the top of the gate known as Ngu Phung Pavilion or Five Phoenix Pavilion.
Upon entering the gate is Trung Dao bridge (Central Path) over Thai Dich Lake filled with lotus and koi fish. At both ends of the bridge stood two ornate gateways.
Tourists will stop to take a look at the koi fish or buy fish pellets to feed them.
The Throne Palace (Thai Hao Dien) or Palace of Supreme Harmony is the heart of the Royal Citadel. Built by Emperor Gia Long in 1805 and was used later in 1806 for his coronation. It was also the center of the emperor's court where solemn ceremonies like Coronations of Emperors and Crown Princes, Royal birthdays/anniversaries, high officials of the state meetings and receiving foreign diplomats were conducted.
In front of the Throne Palace is the Great Rites Court, paved with thanh stones and consists of two levels where mandarins (magistrates of the imperial court) pay homage to the emperor. The upper level was for the high ranking and military mandarins while the lower level was for lower ranking mandarins and village elders.
At both corners of the court stood two bronze Qilins. The Qilin or the Chinese unicorn is regarded as a celestial animal and often used as auspicious guardian god.
At the far end of the Throne palace are two enormous bronze urns imprinted with birds, animals, flower and plant motifs. Each urn has a weight of about 1500 kg.
Behind the Throne Palace are two Mandarin's Buildings, annexed to the Can Chanh Palace. In these two buildings, mandarins prepared themselves before meeting the emperor. These buildings also functioned as administrative offices for the Imperial civil services, national examinations halls and royal banquet halls.
Visitors can get a picture dressed as an emperor sitting on the throne for VND30,000 in the Left Mandarin Building, while The Right Mandarin Building serves as a souvenir shop.
3. Forbidden Citadel (Tu Cam Thanh)
North of the Throne Palace is The Forbidden City surrounded by walls to form a city within a city, solely reserved for the Emperor, his queen, concubines and female servants. No man except the emperor and eunuchs could set foot on this 10 hectares area which consist of more than 60 architectural buildings, 20 courtyards and 7 gates. Most of the buildings were badly destroyed during the French and Americans wars.
The site where Kien Trung Palace (the last emperor's residence) once stood. Nothing was left except the front fences and the flight of stairs with descending dragons sculptures.
A visit to Hue will not be complete without visiting The Imperial Citadel complex. Though it can never be able to recoup its regal glory, the complex is nevertheless the most historical and cultural monuments of Vietnam. See it even if you don't like history!
NOTE:
1. Opens daily: 6:30am - 5pm. Entrance to Hue Capital Citadel is free. But entrance beyond Ngo Mon Gate requires a ticket - VND105,000 per person. (for foreigner, i guess!)
2. Allow 2-3 hours to stroll through the massive complex. (wear comfortable shoes)
3. It can be unbearable hot; so best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon.
4. Go with a tour guide or do your homework before you go as little information is provided for visitors.
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