Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Castle in Hanoi

Thăng Long Imperial Citadel
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Isabell Schulz

The origins of the Citadel date back to the 7th century when its first foundations were established. At that time, Vietnam was under Chinese occupation, and a Chinese fortress was built in the area. In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) to Dai La (the former name of Hanoi) and renamed it Thang Long. The Citadel was constructed over the demolished fortress and remained the center of regional political power for the next 13 centuries.

History of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

The Imperial Citadel was expanded under the Tran, Le, and Nguyen Dynasties, although it faced significant destruction during various wars. It remained the seat of the Vietnamese Court until 1810, when Emperor Quang Trung moved the capital from Thang Long to Phu Xuan (now known as the Imperial City of Hue), and Thang Long ceased to be the capital of the country. During the French colonial era, the royal palaces and many structures were heavily damaged, and by the 20th century, several remaining buildings were demolished. The Citadel was used by the Imperial Japanese Army in 1945 to imprison over 4,000 French colonial soldiers. In 1954, when the Vietnamese Army took over Hanoi, the Citadel became the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense. In the 21st century, systematic excavations of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel revealed foundations, ancient roads, ponds, and wells dating from the 6th to the 20th centuries.

Cultural Values of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a significant cultural and historical landmark for both Hanoi and Vietnam. It has witnessed numerous dramatic changes and endured destructive wars. The most notable part of the Citadel is the Central Sector, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. The Central Sector reflects a blend of intercultural exchanges with influences from China and the Champa Kingdom. It served as the center of political power from the 7th to the 20th centuries. The Citadel’s cultural values highlight the interchange of human values in Asian architecture, construction technology, town planning, and arts. Despite extensive damage, ongoing archaeological excavations continue to uncover artifacts that provide a clearer understanding of the Citadel’s historical significance.

Architectural Features of the Citadel

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long comprises five significant sectors:

  1. Flag Tower (Ky Dai) The Flag Tower is one of Hanoi’s most iconic symbols, rising 33.4 meters from the ground. Built in 1812 under the Nguyen Dynasty, it features a base, two floors, and a cylindrical top with the Vietnamese national flag. It survived the French colonial era and was used as a military post.
  2. Kinh Thien Palace Located in the heart of the Citadel, Kinh Thien Palace was built in 1428 and served as a site for imperial ceremonies and national affairs. The palace’s foundation is 57 meters long, 41.5 meters wide, and 2.3 meters high. Today, only the steps and sophisticated dragon statues carved on green stones remain.
  3. Doan Mon (South Gate) Built during the Le Dynasty, Doan Mon is located south of the Citadel and was reserved for the royal family. The gate features one main entrance and four smaller gates, now adorned with lotus-shaped lanterns.
  4. Bac Mon (North Gate) Located to the north of the Citadel, Bac Mon is one of the two remaining gates. Built with brick and stone arches, it now serves as a place of worship for former Hanoi governors Nguyen Tri Phuong and Hoang Dieu, who resisted French colonial forces in the 19th century.
  5. Hau Lau (Princess Pagoda) Hau Lau, also known as the “tower in the back,” was constructed of brick with a basement and three floors above. Initially built for princesses and queens, it was rebuilt by the French in the late 19th century.
  6. D67 House and Tunnel From 1954 to 1975, D67 House and Tunnel served as the headquarters of the Vietnamese People’s Army. Built in 1967, it features modern architecture with soundproofing and was used for various military purposes during the Vietnam War. The house and tunnel are located north of Kinh Thien Hall and display wartime artifacts.

The Citadel continues to be a site of historical and cultural exploration, with ongoing excavations revealing more about its storied past.

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hanoi!

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Visiting Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Address: Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Hoàng Diệu, Quán Thánh, Ba Đình, Hanoi, Vietnam

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