The French Fortifications in Vung Tau

**Location and Scale:** The Vung Tau French artillery fortress consists of three major interconnected positions: Tao Phung Mountain position (Small Mountain), Big Mountain position, and Cau Da position. These positions were constructed from the northwest to the southeast of Big and Small Mountains, the two prominent peaks in Vung Tau city. There are a total of 23 heavy cannons, ranging from 140mm to 300mm, strategically placed across these positions. Among them, the Big Mountain position is the largest, most fortified, and modern, considered the French stronghold in turning Vung Tau into an impregnable fortress.

**Construction Time and Architectural Style:** Construction of the Vung Tau French artillery fortress began in the 1880s and 1890s, but it wasn't until 1905 that the new artillery positions were completed, using extraordinary human labor with relatively primitive tools. The military structures were built in a classic Gothic architectural style adorned with intricate decorations, creating a solemn and majestic appearance for the artillery emplacements. The gun emplacements were designed to rotate 360 degrees and could fire up to 20 km. Each cannon weighed 15 tons or more, placed on a fixed concrete foundation, with a water-cooling system for the gun barrels.

**Historical and Cultural Significance:** The Vung Tau French artillery fortress is a crucial historical site, witnessing various events in Vietnam's resistance against French and American invasions. It also holds the marks of the harsh labor of prisoners and local residents during the French colonial era. The fortress reflects a unique architectural achievement, showcasing the cultural exchanges and integration between different cultures in the Southeast Asian region. The French artillery fortress was recognized as a National Historical Site in 1992.

The French artillery fortress in Vung Tau is one of the significant historical and cultural heritages of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province and Vietnam as a whole. Visitors to the fortress not only get to admire the ancient and sacred military structures of the French but also learn about the history, culture, and military significance of this land. The fortress is also a place for visitors to experience the cultural exchange and integration between different cultures in the Southeast Asian region. This will be a memorable experience for anyone interested in exploring and understanding Vietnam's historical and cultural heritage.