12 Fascinating Things To Know About The Citadel in Hue, Vietnam
- Marla Brown
- Apr 23
- 6 min read
If you love culture and history, you will enjoy a visit to the Citadel in Hue, Vietnam. This breathtaking site offers a glimpse into Vietnam's rich royal and colonial history, showcasing impressive architecture and beautiful gardens.
This fortress is far more than stone walls; it provides an opportunity to journey back to the era when the Nguyen Dynasty ruled Vietnam.
Here are 12 fascinating things to know about the Citadel in Hue, Vietnam
1. The Citadel Is Big and Impressive in Scale
Exploring the Imperial City can consume much of your day. The location is expansive, covering approximately 1,200 acres (500 hectares). The Citadel features a variety of structures, including 83 buildings, temples, gates, and palaces. The walls, which encircle this historic landmark, rise to 33 feet (10 meters), forming a striking fortress.
The beautiful front gates are just a glimpse of what awaits you inside. Be prepared to walk and explore.
2. The Citadel Was Built for Vietnam’s Last Emperors
While Vietnam has a long history of colonial rule, occupation, and imperial presence, the Nguyen Dynasty is remembered as the last monarchy. The reign of this imperial rule had a profound influence on Vietnamese culture and society, and its impact remains evident in Hue.
From 1802 to 1945, the Nguyen Dynasty established a centralized monarchy, designating this location as the political, religious, and cultural center of Vietnam. The capital was even relocated from Hanoi to Hue during this period.
The Citadel is preserving the history of the monarchy. Emperors like Gia Long and Bao Dai lived, ruled, and held grand ceremonies here.
It wasn't until 1945 that the imperial rule ended when the French claimed power over Vietnam.
3. Hue's Citadel Is A UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 1993, the Hue Citadel was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical significance and remarkable architectural style.
The designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has helped preserve the cultural legacy of Vietnam and the Citadel itself.
4. The Imperial City is a Citadel-Within-A-Citadel
When you first enter the Citadel, the layout can be confusing. The Citadel is divided into zones, with one notable area being the Imperial City, also called the Imperial Enclosure. This area was like a citadel-within-a-citadel.
The Imperial City contained the emperor’s residence, places of worship, and important government buildings of the Nguyen emperors. The enclosure emphasized the hierarchical structure of Vietnamese society during that period.
The distinction between commoners and nobility was visually represented in architecture.
Notable locations include the Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Dien Tho Residence, Hien Lam Pavilion, and the surrounding gardens and shrines.
5. The “Forbidden Purple City” is Inside the Imperial City
Navigating the Citadel to find the Forbidden Purple City can also be confusing without guidance. The Forbidden Purple City is part of the Imperial City, located within the Citadel. In other words, it’s an area better known as a citadel-within-a-citadel-within-a-citadel. (Yes, that's three citadels!)
The Forbidden Purple City is the innermost and exclusive area of the Imperial City, designated for the emperor and his family. It encompasses the emperor’s and queen’s residences, as well as the royal theater.
Other key structures include the Thuong Thien Imperial Kitchen, Duong Tam Palace (the emperor's retreat), Thai Binh Pavilion (the reading area), Minh Quang Palace (the princes' residence), and Trinh Minh Palace (the concubines' residence).
Much of the Forbidden Purple City was bombed during the American-Vietnam War, but it is slowly being restored.
6. It Is A Beautiful Blend of Architecture
Hue’s Citadel boasts a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French architectural influences. This blend of styles reflects Vietnam’s historical interactions with these cultures.
As you tour the Citadel, notice the architectural blend. For example, as you walk through the main gates, you’ll see Chinese architecture adorning the roofs while Vietnamese motifs embellish the gates.
The Citadel's architecture, colors, and style are beautiful, providing excellent opportunities for photography. Many portrait photographers use the Citadel as their “studio” to create stunning portraits for their clients.
It's not unusual to see local people and tourists dressed in traditional costumes engaging in photo shoots.
7. Hue's Citadel Has A Connection to The Perfume River
Hue’s Citadel was strategically situated along the Perfume River for defense and trade. The river provided fresh water and facilitated the transportation of goods to and from Hue. During the Nguyen Dynasty, more than 300 products, including ceramics and silk, were traded along the river.
Today, the river is widely regarded as a symbol of Hue, particularly among the Vietnamese people.
8. The Citadel Does Have Restoration Challenges, But Is Making Progress
The Citadel was neglected for years after the Nguyen Dynasty left in 1945, and also suffered destruction during the Vietnam War. However, the Vietnamese are making significant strides in restoring this iconic structure to its historical significance and architectural beauty.
Over the past 20 years, nearly 20% of the Citadel has undergone extensive renovations, revitalizing structures that had fallen into disrepair.
In 2019, the Hue Monuments Conservation Center initiated the restoration of Kien Trung Palace. The project was completed in early February 2024 and is now open to visitors.
9. The Citadel Has Become a Cultural Hub in Hue
Today, the Citadel of Hue has become a cultural hub for Vietnam. Local festivals, celebrations, exhibitions, and ceremonies occur at the Citadel. The Hue Festival happens every two years and attracts thousands of visitors.
It has become a place to celebrate with music, dance, and stories of the past.
10. Artifacts From the Nguyen Dynasty Can Be Found at the Citadel and Antiquities Museum
Artifacts from the Nguyen Dynasty are now housed in the Citadel and the Royal Antiquities Museum. Royal garments, intricately designed furnishings, and ceramics are found in various museums within the Citadel.
To view a more significant collection, visit the Royal Antiquities Museum. It showcases over 1,000 items, each telling the story of the daily lives of Vietnamese royalty and the nation’s history. The museum showcases numerous artifacts from the Nguyen and Ly dynasties, as well as ceramics from China, Japan, and France.
It’s located close to the Citadel (outside the walls), making walking, biking, or riding a scooter a convenient option.
11. This is a Great Place to Explore Feng Shui, Harmony, and Balance
The Citadel's layout and design reflect Chinese symbolism, emphasizing feng shui principles of harmony and balance. Each gate and building is intentionally designed and oriented to maximize positive energy throughout the city.
As you explore the Citadel, you can feel the balance and harmony in the arrangement of the buildings and objects.
12. Archaeological Exploration Continues at the Citadel
Despite the Citadel's significance in Vietnam, many areas within the Citadel remain unexplored. Archaeological research and exploration reveal new insights into the region's culture, history, and lifestyles.
Recent excavations have uncovered structures dating back to the beginning of the Nguyen Dynasty in 1802.
Some Final Thoughts
To truly understand Vietnam, one must delve into its history, and the Citadel in Hue provides a great entry point for examining its imperial history and culture. It presents a distinct perspective on the development of Vietnamese society today, as well as a look back at its period of imperial rule.
If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, Hue and the Citadel deserve at least a day or two. We have visited Hue three times and discovered something new each time. The Citadel has been on our list for every visit, and we have witnessed its restoration and changes over the past decade.
I hope these 12 fascinating things to know about the Citadel in Hue will be helpful if you plan a visit to Vietnam.
The Imperial City is a must-see destination and an exciting adventure waiting to unfold.
A FEW TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT TO THE CITADEL:
Daily flights are available from most major cities in Vietnam to Hue.
Day trips from Da Nang to the Hue Citadel are popular. Check with your preferred travel guide provider, GetYourGuide, Viator, or TripAdvisor.
Guided tours from local Vietnamese guides are invaluable and can greatly enhance your visit. We have experienced both guided and unguided tours. The benefit of a self-guided tour is the added flexibility to explore what interests you most. However, it does require more preparation. 😉
Admission costs 200,000 VND for adults and 40,000 VND for children (ages 7-12).
You can purchase tickets at the door, and a headset-guided tour is available.
Backpacks are permitted, and Hue can get hot, so be prepared with plenty of water, a sun hat, and sunscreen.
Wherever your journey takes you—whether close to home or far away—I wish you the best as you explore our beautiful and ever-changing world.
Spread kindness, stay humble, and go slow. 🫶🏼
Marla
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