The Tower of Peace

Historic Building in Hue

Tu Phuong Vo Su Tower is a notable two-story architectural structure located on the Bac Khuyet platform of the Hue Imperial Citadel, near Hoa Binh Gate, the north gate of the Imperial City. Built in 1923 under the reign of King Khai Dinh, the tower was constructed to prepare for the “Tu tuan dai khanh tiet” longevity celebration marking the king’s 40th birthday in 1924. Following its construction, Tu Phuong Vo Su Tower became a retreat for the king and royal family, where they could enjoy the cool breeze and admire the scenery. It also served as a study space for the princes and princesses of the late Nguyen Dynasty.

The name “Tu Phuong Vo Su” translates to “Four Directions of Peace,” which is often interpreted or translated as “Pavilion of Four Directions” or “The Tower of Peace.” Both names highlight the symbolic aspiration for tranquility and harmony that the structure was meant to embody during the Nguyen Dynasty.

Architectural Significance of the The Tower of Peace

Tu Phuong Vo Su Tower represents a fusion of Asian and European architectural styles, a characteristic feature of the colonial period in Vietnam. The building, nearly square in shape with dimensions of approximately 14m x 13m, occupies a total area of 182m². The structure is entirely made of bricks and cement, featuring two floors with windows and doors on all four sides. The upper floor has a balcony, while the lower floor includes a porch. The roof and decorative motifs, such as the sun image flanked by dragons, retain strong East Asian influences, showcasing a blend of cultural elements.

Located along the northwest-southeast axis of the Imperial City, the tower is part of a series of significant structures, including Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Can Chanh Palace, Can Thanh Palace, Khon Thai Palace, and Kien Trung Palace, all of which were central to the lives of the Nguyen emperors and queens.

Historical Role of the The Tower of Peace

The tower’s name, “Tu Phuong Vo Su,” translates to “four directions of peace,” reflecting the Nguyen Dynasty’s aspiration for stability and tranquility during a time when their power was largely symbolic under French colonial rule. Before the tower was constructed, the site was occupied by Tu Thong Pavilion, a guard post for the Imperial Guards, which was demolished to make way for the new structure.

Despite its peaceful name, Tu Phuong Vo Su Tower did not escape the turmoil of history. After the Nguyen Dynasty ended in 1945, the tower suffered significant damage, particularly during the Tet Offensive in 1968. The building’s walls shifted due to soil saturation and increased load, and the structure was left in a severely deteriorated state, with much of the original wooden framework lost.

Restoration of the The Tower of Peace

Recognizing its cultural and historical value, the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, in collaboration with other institutions, undertook a major restoration project starting in December 2008. The project, funded as part of the celebrations for the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi, had a total investment of over 9.3 billion VND. The restoration focused on preserving as much of the original material as possible and involved advanced techniques to stabilize and correct the building’s structural issues without complete demolition.

The restored Tu Phuong Vo Su Tower was officially inaugurated on October 6, 2010. However, in 2011, the use of the tower as a coffee shop sparked controversy. The Hue Monuments Conservation Center had leased the site for this purpose, leading to public outcry over the commercialization of a historic monument. Despite removing advertising signs, the coffee shop continued to operate under a three-year contract, reflecting ongoing tensions between conservation efforts and modern usage of heritage sites.

The The Tower of Peace appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hue!

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