World Cultural Heritage - Ho Citadel in Thanh Hoa Province
History of Formation and Development of the Ho Citadel
According to legend, the Ho Citadel is a place where gods and fairies once appeared. It is considered the resting place of King Hung Vuong during his hunting trips. King Hung fell in love with the scenery of mountains and water here, leading to the construction of a temple to worship the deities.
According to historical documents, the construction of the Ho Citadel began in 1397, commissioned by King Tran Nhan Tong and commanded by the military genius Ho Quy Ly. The purpose of building this citadel was to force King Tran Nhan Tong to relocate the capital from Thang Long to Thanh Hoa, aiming to overthrow the Tran Dynasty. The Ho Citadel was built within only three months and continued to be completed until 1402.
In 1400, Ho Quy Ly ascended the throne, adopting the national name Dai Ngu. The Ho Citadel officially became the capital of the new dynasty. However, this dynasty lasted only 7 years before being invaded and occupied by the Ming army. After the Ming army withdrew in 1427, the Ho Citadel ceased to be the capital and became a military fortress of the Le Dynasty.
Throughout many historical events, the Ho Citadel has suffered significant damage. In 1479, the Ming army invaded Vietnam and destroyed the Ho Citadel. In 1786, the Tay Son army also attacked and captured the Ho Citadel. In 1885, the French army occupied the Ho Citadel. Despite existing for over 6 centuries, some sections of this fortress remain relatively intact.
In 1962, the Ho Citadel was classified as a national monument of special importance by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. In 2011, after 6 years of submission, the Ho Citadel was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage for its valuable contributions to architecture, technology, sculpture, and urban planning.
Architecture and Beauty of the Ho Citadel
The Ho Citadel has simple yet harmonious architecture with nature. The tourism area covers about 155.5 hectares, including various structures such as the inner citadel, outer citadel, Tay Do (Western Capital), and Nam Giao Esplanade. The area is surrounded by high mountains, lush forests, and rice fields.
The most prominent feature of the Ho Citadel is its walls and moats. The walls are built with stone, ranging from 5 to 6 meters in height and 1.5 to 2 meters in thickness. The total length of the walls is approximately 4 km, enclosing an area of about 140 hectares. The citadel has four main gates: East Gate, West Gate, South Gate, and North Gate. These gates are constructed with stone and wood, featuring tiled roofs and guard towers.
The moat is a wide water channel, 15 to 20 meters wide and 3 to 4 meters deep, running parallel to the walls. It serves as both a drainage system for the citadel area and a defensive barrier for the walls. The total length of the moat is about 10 km, encircling an area of about 500 hectares. The moat has four main bridges: East Bridge, West Bridge, South Bridge, and North Bridge. These bridges are built with wood and stone, featuring tiled roofs and railings.
Additionally, within the tourism area, there are many other attractions such as the outer citadel, Tay Do, and Nam Giao Esplanade. The outer citadel is an earthen and wooden wall, 2 to 3 meters high and 1 to 1.5 meters thick. The total length of the outer citadel is about 20 km, encircling an area of about 5,000 hectares. The outer citadel serves as a boundary for the area inside the moat.
Tay Do is an area covering about 30 hectares, located to the west of the walls. Tay Do is considered the political and military center of the Ho Dynasty. Here, there are many important structures such as palaces, temples, military barracks, and weapon storage facilities. However, most of these structures have been destroyed or lost.
Nam Giao Esplanade is an area of about 10 hectares, located to the south of the walls. Nam Giao Esplanade is where the Ho Dynasty held sky-worshiping ceremonies. It has a square shape, built with stone and wood, with three gradually elevated tiers. On top of Nam Giao Esplanade is a stone altar, circular in shape, symbolizing the sky.
The Temple of Princess Binh Khuong is a religious structure located to the east of the walls. The temple worships a legendary female deity. According to folklore, Princess
Binh Khuong is the daughter of King Hung Vuong, who helped King Hung Vuong resist invaders. After sacrificing herself, Princess Binh Khuong transformed into a green mountain, revered by the local people.
Dinh Dong Mon is a cultural structure, located to the east of the walls. Dinh Dong Mon is where cultural and entertainment activities of the local people take place. Built with wood and tiles, Dinh Dong Mon has simple yet dignified architecture. Inside the temple, there are plaques commemorating historical events and heroic titles of the people.
Significance and Activities of the Ho Citadel
The Ho Citadel is not just a unique historical and architectural monument but also a World Cultural Heritage. It symbolizes an important period in the history of the Vietnamese people when Ho Quy Ly implemented progressive and modern reforms. It is also a witness to fierce wars and historical changes.
Furthermore, the Ho Citadel is an attractive eco-cultural tourism destination. Visitors can enjoy the lush and peaceful natural surroundings, as well as learn about the history, culture, and beliefs of the local people. Tourists can participate in various recreational activities such as fishing, rowing, cycling, and camping. The tourism area also provides dining and accommodation services for visitors.
Conclusion
The Ho Citadel is a unique historical and architectural monument in Vietnam, located in Thanh Hoa province. This was the capital of Dai Ngu, built in the late 14th century under the command of Ho Quy Ly. The Ho Citadel is constructed with stone, large in scale and sturdy, one of the rare stone citadels remaining in the world. In 2011, UNESCO recognized the Ho Citadel as a World Cultural Heritage for its historical, cultural, and architectural value. The Ho Citadel is not only a historical and architectural monument but also an eco-cultural tourism destination. Visitors can enjoy the green and peaceful natural environment, as well as learn about the history, culture, and beliefs of the local people.