Complex of Hue Monuments,
UNESCO World Heritage Site
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| Hue Flag Tower, Hue Capital Citadel |
Although the central sector and the palaces of the last Vietnamese monarchy were destroyed in the war with France, Vietnam War and natural disasters, there is now trying to renovate the buildings in the World Heritage property and restore the atmosphere of court life, art, dining and other royal cultures.
Hue capital establishment
concept is 3 tiers citadels.
Hue Imperial City and
Forbidden City is located in Hue Capital Citadel was founded in 1804 by Emperor
Gia Long the first king of Nguyen Dynasty as the core of Geomancy, including
Perfume River as the guardian and Ngu Binh Mountain as front screen. Inside the
Imperial City, which was the administration centre also had the inner court in
the Forbidden City for the Queen Mother, queen, concubines and female servants.
The emperor's harem which men were not allowed except the emperor, little
princes and eunuchs.
Hue Imperial City has
rectangular design strong walls, surrounded by moats inside where draw water
from Perfume River. There are four entrances; across from the main entrance Ngo
Mon Gate is a large ground and Flag Tower on the three-tier base. During the
Nguyen Dynasty era, Imperial City was consisting of more than 100 buildings.
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| UNESCO: Ngo Mon Gate, Hue Imperial City |
The tour is divided into
three groups I have visited the following places.
Imperial City
Started from Ngo Mon Gate
cross the bridge and fish pond to Thai Hoa Palace where was used for great
court meetings, inside is the throne adorned with red and gold lacquered
frameworks. In the glorious days this Imperial City were consist of internal
affair offices, precious objects warehouse, princes' residences and living
area.
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| After Restoration, Hue Forbidden City Gate |
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| Ruin in Hue Forbidden City |
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| Queen Mother's Apartment, Hue Forbidden City |
Forbidden City
The Queen Mother's
residence in a complex that contained about 20 buildings has been restored
partly by reference in the form of Emperor Bao Dai the last king of Nguyen
Dynasty and Vietnam. Some of the arch gates were repaired beautifully.
There were several
departments such as king's palace, queen's apartment, king's kitchen and royal
theatre.
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| The Tho Mieu Temple, Hue Imperial City |
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| Giant Urn in front of Hien Lam Pavilion, Hue Imperial City |
Temples and Worship
Palaces
Vietnamese have paid
respect and worshipped their ancestors by Confucian principles seriously.
Historic buildings and places of worship in this section were devoted to the
former kings of the dynasty, such as The To Mieu Temple and Hien Lam Pavilion.
In front of Hien Lam
Pavilion lined with giant metal urns decorated by Vietnamese traditional
patterns, such as dragon, phoenix, turtle, pond, tree and rocks, which were
made in accordance with the disposition of the emperor altars in To Mieu
Temple. Really amazing that the pieces of art since Emperor Minh Mang era, the
second king of the dynasty could be withstand sun, rain, natural disasters and
wars to this day.
Hue Imperial Life
Although most of the historic
edifice were destroyed and restoration, which continues to take a long time, but
Imperial Life which I heard from the tour guide is so colorful and charming.
There are many flavors and filling the atmosphere pretty well. In addition in
the Imperial City, there are royal recipe food and royal performance for
visitors to see and enjoy them. Unfortunately, I went with tour group could not
have enough time to visit.
Apart from Hue Imperial
City and Forbidden City, UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hue Monument Complex
also includes the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors also. They are
located in the Hue outskirts area along the east side of Perfume River, opposite
of Hue old city, which is mentioned in the next article.
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